Sous Chef

Dexterra; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company in catering as a Sous Chef in Ottawa. You'll oversee catering operations, manage a team, and ensure high quality and safety standards. With opportunities for growth and recognition, this position is ideal for passionate chefs seeking to make an impact in a thriving industry.

Benefits

Employee Referral Program

Opportunities for growth and development

Qualifications

• Experience in leading high volume catering teams (3 years preferred).
• Fluency in various food cultures and dietary needs.
• Serve Safe and/or Food Safe certification required.

Responsibilities

• Overseeing catering events and menu planning.
• Training and supervising catering staff.
• Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

Skills

Attention to detail

Multitasking

Communication Skills

Food Safety Knowledge

Leadership

Education

Red Seal Chef Status

Culinary Training

Job description

Dexterra Group is a fast-growing, financially strong, publicly listed company (TSX : DXT). We have a far-reaching presence across the entire continent of North America with hundreds of full-time and part-time opportunities at any given time. We aim to provide our people with more than just a job – we offer fulfilling opportunities in a culture that promotes stability, diversity and inclusion, camaraderie, employee recognition, work-life balance, and doing what you love. For over 75 years, the companies that began independently, and now form Dexterra Group, have been dedicated to serving North American clients to create and manage built environments that play a vital role in our economy and our local communities. And, that’s something we’re truly proud of. Work That Matters, People Who Care.

WHAT'S THE JOB?

Under the general supervision of the Culinary Director, the Sous Chef oversees procuring, organizing, planning, preparing and / or directing the preparation of all catering events. This role also performs the administrative and financial duties for the catering team such as ordering and resolving discrepancies with suppliers and customers, creation, and adherence to budgets for all related costs of the catering operation and supervising and training all staff within their charge.

• Cook from scratch with local ingredients while continually sourcing and developing new ideas and ways to generate additional profit for the unit.
• Plan and develop menus and recipes for the cafeteria, incorporating both the company’s promotional themes and healthy options while also encouraging and incorporating creative ideas from employees.
• Establish and implement food preparation schedules for all staff and recipes, creating an efficient and organized process for each dish.
• In coordination with the Culinary Director, plan and develop menus and recipes for catering events that meet the client’s needs, incorporating both the company’s promotional themes and the Healthwise Choices Program.
• Work with clients and customers to meet their needs / requests while staying within budgeted restrictions and adhering to all company practices and policies.
• Establish and implement food preparation schedules for team, creating an efficient, safe, and organized process.
• Respond to customer and client concerns and requests immediately, resolving any issues that may arise.
• Implement new techniques and planning ideas to provide a higher level of service.
• Ensure all staff are adhering to all required safety regulations and procedures while preparing food.
• Maintain clear lines of communication and understanding between all parties including the Executive Chef, District Manager, and staff (Company staff and temporary staff).
• When necessary, provide support to maintaining physical inventories, placing orders and help receiving and stocking supplies, resolve discrepancies with suppliers, and escalate any and all issues unable to be resolved to the Culinary Director or District Manager.
• Ensure the sanitation of the work area and equipment, maintaining a clean working environment.
• Actively seek out and identify additional opportunities for business growth.
• Train and develop staff in proper procedures and best practices while also providing coaching to help staff members reach the next stage in their career development.
• Listen to customers (internal and external) and respond professionally to all questions and concerns, directing concerns to further levels of management as needed.
• Remain an ambassador of goodwill, ethics, and great client relations always on behalf of the Company.
• Assist with other unit operations as necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

• Three years of recent related experience in the catering food service industry leading high volume catering teams, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience in multi-million dollar catering operations.
• Fully fluent in a wide variety of worldwide food cultures and menus.
• Full knowledge of Special Diets, Vegan, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, etc.
• High level of attention to detail and multitasking.
• Red Seal Chef Status, not required but preferred.
• Previous experience with cost control and employee management.
• Serve Safe and / or Food Safe certified with thorough knowledge of all health and safety regulations pertaining to the food preparation / service industry.
• Superior communication skills in both verbal and written English.
• Able to effectively handle the concerns of employees, customers, and clients with tact while adhering to confidentiality policies in a unionized environment.
• Work accurately and in an efficient manner while managing multiple tasks and priorities.
• Able to lead projects, forecast business needs, and identify and target growth opportunities.
• Highly organized with a strong focus and commitment to quality.
• Able to operate all related equipment in a safe manner.
• Able to effectively use a computer and all related software, including POS equipment.

WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?

• Be part of an industry that's more important than ever!
• Employee Referral Program!
• Whereas other companies are downsizing, we are growing!
• Be #1 on day 1 by joining an industry leader.

Dexterra Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veterans’ status, Indigenous status, or any other legally protected factors. Disability-related accommodations during the hiring selection process are available upon request.