Sous Chef - Hamilton Convention Centre

Carmens Group; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pay on Demand

Global Hotel Discounts for your travel

Comprehensive Group RRSP & Health Bene

Annual Incentive Plan

Staff discounts at our restaurants

Culinary Apprenticeships & Red Seal

Employee Scholarship Program

Wellness programs & staff events

Job summary

Carmens Group in Hamilton, Ontario is seeking a Sous Chef to lead culinary teams for large-scale events, including weddings, galas and live performances. You will work with the Executive Chef to drive high-volume service with precision, creativity and professionalism.

Ideal candidates bring banquet or catering experience, strong knife skills, and a track record of mentoring kitchen staff. This full-time role supports a growing portfolio of iconic venues in Southern Ontario.

Qualifications

• Experience with banquet, catering or high-volume kitchen environments.
• Excellent knife skills and deep knowledge of cooking techniques.
• Confidence supervising and mentoring kitchen team members.
• Safe Food Handler's Certificate (Required).
• Culinary Trade Certification or Red Seal (an asset).
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and event-based hours.

Responsibilities

• Assisting the Executive Chef in overseeing banquet food preparation, execution and presentation for events of all sizes.
• Leading the kitchen team in the preparation of high-quality dishes while maintaining consistency and efficiency.
• Supervising and mentoring line cooks, prep cooks and kitchen staff during setup, service and breakdown.
• Ensuring all food safety, cleanliness and sanitation standards are upheld across all kitchen areas.
• Coordinating kitchen logistics for multiple events running simultaneously with varied menus and timelines.

Skills

banquet experience

knife skills

leadership

flexibility

Education

Safe Food Handler's Certificate

Culinary Trade Certification (Red Seal)

G License (asset)

Job description

Work Where Big Events and Big Careers are Happening

If you're ready to bring your culinary talent to the biggest stage in Hamilton, this is it. You’ll be part of a culinary team that delivers show-stopping experiences for major events like the JUNO Awards, Grey Cup, Live Boxing, Car Shows, Film Shoots, and more.

Whether you’re leading a plated dinner for 1,000 or catering a celebrity-packed gala, this role puts you in the heart of high-impact hospitality. We’re part of Carmens Group, a Canadian hospitality leader with a 40+ year legacy of creating unforgettable experiences.

Why Work for Carmens Group?

• Flexible scheduling
• Career coaching & growth, including mentorship from our Director of Culinary
• Hands on experience working alongside seasoned Executive Chefs
• Great Place to Work Certified (2022-2024, 2026)
• Named Best Workplace in several award categories:
  • Most Trusted Executive Teams
  • Best Places to Work in Hospitality & Retail
  • Best Places to Work in Canada
  • Best Workplaces for Women
  • Best Workplaces for Mental Wellness
• Perks & Benefits
  • Pay on Demand – get paid when you need it
  • Global Hotel Discounts for your travels
  • Comprehensive Group RRSP & Health Benefits
  • Annual Incentive Plan
  • Staff discounts at our restaurants
  • Culinary Apprenticeships & Red Seal Development
  • Employee Scholarship Program
  • Wellness programs & staff events
  • Clear opportunities to grow into leadership roles
  • Employee recognition programs celebrating your achievements and milestones
  • Referral bonuses when you bring great talent to the team
  • Safe, inclusive and supportive workplace culture

Join a company that values your growth, wellbeing, and passion – where your career is supported every step of the way.

Position Details

Job Type: Full-time, permanent

Vacancy: Newly created position

Compensation: $50,000 - $58,000

AI Disclosure: Your application will be reviewed by our hiring team – we do not use artificial intelligence in the screening or selection of applicants for this position.

What you will be doing

As a Sous Chef with Carmens Group, you’ll play a vital leadership role in executing large-scale, high-impact events—from elegant weddings and corporate galas to charity dinners and live shows. You’ll work closely with the Executive Chef to lead the culinary team through high-volume service with precision, creativity, and professionalism.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting the Executive Chef in overseeing banquet food preparation, execution, and presentation for events of all sizes
• Leading the kitchen team in the preparation of high-quality dishes while maintaining consistency and efficiency
• Supervising and mentoring line cooks, prep cooks, and kitchen support staff during setup, service, and breakdown
• Ensuring all food safety, cleanliness, and sanitation standards are upheld across all kitchen areas
• Coordinating kitchen logistics for multiple events running simultaneously, often with varied menus and timelines
• Managing inventory, ordering, and proper storage of ingredients and supplies for banquet operations
• Supporting menu planning, tastings, and custom event offerings with a creative, guest-focused mindset
• Ensuring proper use and maintenance of all kitchen equipment and tools
• Contributing to a positive and collaborative kitchen culture that values communication, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Upholding Carmens Group’s standards of culinary excellence and helping drive operational success
• Performing other duties as assigned to support the broader goals of the culinary department

This is the ideal role for a strong, organized kitchen leader with banquet experience, a passion for events, and the ability to thrive under pressure—and inspiring those around them to do the same.

What You Bring To The Table

• Experience with banquet, catering or high-volume kitchen environments
• Excellent knife skills and deep knowledge of cooking techniques
• Confidence supervising and mentoring kitchen team members
• Safe Food Handler's Certificate (Required)
• Culinary Trade Certification or Red Seal (an asset)
• A passion for food and a drive to do your best every shift
• Valid G License an asset (for off premise catering)
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and event-based hours

We are Carmens Group—a proud Hamilton-born hospitality company with a mission to create extraordinary memories. Our venues include Carmens Event Centre, The C Hotel, The Lakeview, the Hamilton Convention Centre, fig&lemon Catering, The Arlington Hotel, and the Good Earth Food & Wine. Together, we’re shaping the future of Southern Ontario’s event and culinary scene—one unforgettable experience at a time.

Are You Ready to Take the Lead?

If you're a dedicated culinary professional who thrives under pressure and wants to be part of the city’s most exciting events, this is your stage. Apply today and let’s create something extraordinary together.

Carmens Group makes certain there is an equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment. Carmens Group will strive to provide accommodation to persons with disabilities in the recruitment process upon request. If you are selected for an interview and you require accommodation due to a disability during the recruitment process, please notify People & Culture upon scheduling your interview.