Strategic Executive Chef - High-Volume Catering

Business Sherpa Group; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 112,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits package

Job summary

Business Sherpa Group in Ottawa is seeking an Executive Chef to lead a high-volume production and catering kitchen serving multiple client channels. You will oversee culinary operations, food quality, menu development, safety, inventory, budgeting, and team performance.

The ideal candidate has deep culinary expertise, strong operations and people leadership, and a business mindset for labor, food costs, production planning, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years of progressive culinary leadership experience.
• Proven experience managing high-volume food production or catering operations.
• Strong background in team leadership, menu development, and production planning.
• Demonstrated ability to manage food costs, labour budgets, and inventory.
• Comprehensive knowledge of food safety, quality assurance, and kitchen operations.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and food service management systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen production, workflow, and culinary operations.
• Maintain consistent food quality, presentation, portion control, and production standards.
• Collaborate with the culinary team on menu innovation and recipe development.
• Optimize production schedules, labour, equipment, and operational efficiency.
• Implement process improvements to enhance productivity and reduce waste.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and manage culinary and production staff.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching.
• Foster a positive, accountable, and collaborative team environment.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels and support succession planning.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety regulations.
• Maintain HACCP standards, quality assurance programs, and documentation.
• Oversee audits, address quality concerns, and implement corrective actions.
• Manage food costs, labour budgets, inventory, and purchasing activities.
• Monitor operational KPIs and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with procurement to maintain supply levels, product quality, and cost efficiency.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and operational planning.

Job description

Business Sherpa Group in Ottawa is seeking an Executive Chef to lead a high-volume production and catering kitchen serving multiple client channels. You will oversee culinary operations, food quality, menu development, safety, inventory, budgeting, and team performance.

The ideal candidate has deep culinary expertise, strong operations and people leadership, and a business mindset for labor, food costs, production planning, and continuous improvement.