Job Description

Full-time; Permanent
Date Posted: April 4, 2024

Who we are…
The Pacific National Exhibition is an iconic institution in BC, famous for bringing generations of people together to celebrate and build memories. This 114-year-old, non-profit organization has an annual operating budget of over $70 million dollars and generates revenue through four activity streams: the 15 day annual summer Fair and winter Fair which average more than 700,000 people annually, Playland amusement park which welcomes 400,000 guests annually including Fright Nights, and a busy year-round portfolio of events including concerts, trade shows and film, cultural and community events. In total we bring over 2 million people through the site each year. The fourth activity stream is park care and facility maintenance. The PNE is proud of the work it does at Hastings Park and has a vibrant team that is passionate about events, guest experience and delivering memorable experiences.

At the PNE, we strive to create an environment that reflects our organization’s core values: Enthusiasm, Excellence and Evolution. With a focus on these core values, we are committed to achieving our mission which is to “Deliver Memorable Experiences” for all who interact with the PNE whether it is our guests, our employees or the community.

We are seeking a hardworking and motivated individual who has a passion for the Food & Beverage Industry and the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE). The Food & Beverage department is seeking an experienced Kitchen Manager with robust culinary, leadership, organizational, and time-management skills. The Kitchen Manager will lead and supervise kitchen operations, oversee staff, create recipes and menus, manage kitchen expenses, coordinate with suppliers, and ensure the successful execution of all dishes.

The Kitchen Manager in the Food & Beverage Department will report to the Catering Manager and is responsible for upholding a superior level of food quality and presentation. This includes ensuring adherence to FOODSAFE guidelines, as well as all relevant legislation and company policies.

Why join our Team?
-Exhilarating and fun-loving culture
-Flexible work environment
-Opportunity for free or discounted tickets to shows, events, sports games, and much more
-Staff discounts for Playland, The Fair, and Fright Nights, as well as all PNE Food Stands
-Competitive compensation package
-Opportunity to create lasting memories and friendships!

Responsibilities & Qualifications

What will you do this year?

In your role as the Kitchen Manager, your primary accountabilities will be to:
-Partner with Food & Beverage Managers to strategize and craft recipes and menus for a variety of applications.
-Create and execute a variety of dishes, ranging from small scale catered events to larger scale buffet style dishes.
-Assist with quick serve menu development
-Manage staffing by scheduling and delegating tasks to a team of 1 to 16 kitchen staff, including dishwashers, prep-cooks, and cooks. -Additionally, participate in the recruitment, orientation, and training of new employees.
-Analyze event schedules and expected guest attendance to accurately forecast production requirements. Evaluate inventory levels and ingredient availability to effectively plan production schedules.
-Assess the quality and satisfaction levels of the food and beverage programs, implementing necessary changes or modifications as deemed appropriate.
-Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to determine the costs associated with food and beverage items, including pricing, labor expenses, and overhead costs.
-Conduct recipe analysis to determine pricing for menu items, considering factors such as food, labor, and overhead costs.
-Administer Collective Agreements related to employees, with support from the People & Culture Department, addressing employee concerns, investigations, and disciplinary matters.
-Understand and demonstrate proper operation of standard cooking and kitchen equipment such as gas ranges, ovens, deep fat fryers, steam cookers, meat slicers, dishwashers, and other related equipment.
-Monitor sanitation practices to ensure that employees follow FOODSAFE guidelines, standards, and regulations.
-Perform the function of short order cook as required
-Ensure PNE Uniform and Appearance Policy is always adhered to
-Performs other related duties as required

What else?
-Must have a minimum of 4 years experience cooking in the Food & Beverage Industry
-Must have a minimum of 2 years’ experience managing staff in the Food & Beverage Industry
-Must have successful completion of Grade 12
-Must be FOODSAFE Level 1 Certified
-Must possess a valid Class 5 or 7 BC driver’s license.
-Must have experience developing and working within budgets for various food programs
-Must have a strong understanding and knowledge of methods, materials and tools used in large scale cooking as well as short order cooking
-Must have the ability to effectively plan and oversee an efficient work schedule
-Must be able to stay up to date with culinary trends and optimized kitchen processes
-Must have working knowledge of various computer software programs including MS Office
-Must possess excellent communication & interpersonal skills to establish effective working relationships with staff, guests, and clients
-Willingness and ability to work on an event-based work schedule which will require extended hours and workweeks (weekends and late nights).
-Red Seal Certification is preferred.
-Post-Secondary education in a related field is preferred
-FOODSAFE Level 2 Certification is considered an asset
-Successful candidates must undergo a Criminal Record Check.

Who are you?
-Organized
-Creative
-Proactive
-Skillful communicator
-Critical thinker
-Committed to striving for excellence.

Salary/Wage

The PNE's compensation offerings are in alignment with a pay-for-performance pay philosophy that recognizes individual, and teamwork performance. The role is a permanent, full-time position with a typical salary range of $58,000 - $70,000 per annum.  The starting salary will be based on the successful candidate’s competencies, including but not limited to knowledge, skills, experience, and internal pay structures.  As a part of the PNE's total compensation package, this position may be eligible for other benefits subject to program eligibility requirements. 

Job Application Process

Where and when to APPLY? Applications can be submitted via the PNE website at www.pne.ca/jobs and will be accepted until the role is filled. We look forward to hearing from you! The PNE is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating an inclusive workforce that reflects the diverse community we proudly serve. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or age. If you require any support or accommodations throughout any stage of the recruitment process, please contact the People & Culture Department at hr@pne.ca.

Apply Now