Hiring an experienced Catering Operations Chef

SERVED Catering is looking for an experienced, highly organized and hands-on Catering Operations Chef to support both culinary production and the operational preparation of our catering events.

This hybrid position combines professional kitchen work with event packing, loading, deliveries and equipment
organization. Depending on the event schedule, the Catering Operations Chef will move between culinary production and operations to ensure our food is properly prepared and every event leaves fully packed, accurately packed and on time.

The successful candidate will have strong catering or high-volume culinary experience and be comfortable taking
responsibility outside the kitchen. This position is ideal for a chef who enjoys organization, logistics, problem-solving and the behind-the-scenes work required to execute successful events.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare food for corporate events, weddings, private functions and other catered events.
• Follow recipes, production lists, portioning guidelines and presentation standards.
• Pack, label and organize prepared food for safe and efficient transportation.
• Coordinate with the Head Chef to ensure all food is complete and accounted for before departure.
• Safely load and unload company vehicles and organize them for efficient access on-site.
• Pack event bins according to pack lists prepared by the Operations Manager.
• Help ensure chefs and event teams are packed, loaded and out the door on time.
• Collect and pack event binders, uniforms and other materials provided by the Event Coordinator.
• Deliver catering orders to clients and venues throughout Metro Vancouver.
• Set up buffet and catering orders according to company standards.
• Maintain clean, organized kitchen, loading, storage and operations areas.

REPORTING & PRIORITIES

The Catering Operations Chef reports to the Head Chef for culinary production and works closely with the
Operations Manager for event packing, deliveries and logistics. The Operations Manager provides event
worksheets, pack lists and logistics direction; the Head Chef provides production lists, recipes and kitchen direction.
Packing and departure deadlines are critical. Once the scheduled event-packing period begins, operational
responsibilities take priority unless otherwise directed by management.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

The ideal candidate is an experienced catering chef who understands that excellent events depend on both strong culinary execution and careful operational preparation. You are naturally organized, dependable and willing to take ownership. You notice when something is missing, question information that does not look correct and take action before a problem affects the event.

You are equally comfortable preparing food, checking a pack list, loading a van, completing a delivery and reorganizing returned equipment.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum three years of professional culinary experience.
• Previous catering, banquet or high-volume event experience strongly preferred.
• Strong food-production, organization and time-management skills.
• Ability to read and follow recipes, production sheets, event worksheets and pack lists.
• Valid BC Class 5 driver's licence, satisfactory driver’s abstract and confidence driving a cargo van throughout Metro Vancouver.
• Able to repeatedly lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation and temperature control.
• Ability to work independently, manage changing priorities and communicate professionally.
• Reliable, punctual and available for a flexible catering schedule, including occasional early mornings, evenings and weekends.
• Legally entitled to work in Canada