Head Chef- Leduc Full Time

_Lifestyle Options Retirement Communities are proudly locally owned and operated. Our mandate is to operate quality, affordable seniors’ retirement buildings. Lifestyle Options takes tremendous pride in operating supportive retirement communities with professional staff that foster healthy aging and focus on the needs of each individual._

**We are currently recruiting for a Full Time Head Chef for our facility in Leduc AB.**

**Position Summary**:
The Head Chef oversees all site food services and ensures smooth operations of the kitchen. The Head Chef supervises the staff of the kitchen, participates in the training and development of staff, and provides performance appraisals and disciplinary action. The Head Chef also determines the menu changes, equipment and ingredients that are necessary, and handles special menu requests. They manage the kitchen staff in compliance with all health and safety regulations by ensuring adherence to sanitary and safe food handling guidelines at all times. The Head Chef works with the Executive Chef and Site Manager to ensure that kitchen services are meeting all Lifestyle Options standards.

**Responsibilities and Duties**:

- Responsible for the Kitchen department and “Back of House” Food Services, including the kitchen space set up/appearance/cleanliness, management of kitchen staff and the overall food quality and presentation.
- Actively works towards improving the Kitchen department, including bringing creative ideas and recommendations on how to elevate the food and meal experience, procedures and processes to the Site Manager and Executive Chef.
- A ‘working supervisor’ on the floor in the kitchen, acting as a role model to kitchen and demonstrating ideal kitchen and meal service standards.
- Coach and provide ongoing feedback (positive and constructive) to all the staff of the kitchen, in a professional and tactful manner.
- Ensuring the training and development of staff by providing input and feedback for performance, appraisals, and disciplinary action, according to the values and guidelines of Lifestyle Options.
- Ensure consistent food preparation and the highest caliber of food presentation, taking advantage of all opportunities to improve and ensuring communication to the kitchen staff.
- Inquire residents and guests’ satisfaction with their food and dining experience.
- Ensure cleanliness and hygiene is maintained in the various kitchen areas including refrigerators and storerooms and that food products are rotated to ensure high standards of freshness.
- Ensure food is stored in appropriate containers, labeled, and rotated to ensure high standards of freshness, minimizing waste and maximizing quality.
- Order an inventory of food products for the preparation and operation of an efficiently run kitchen.
- Create dining room staff schedules in Advanced Tracker system and distribute to staff.tages or shorts and participate in any opportunities to minimize inventory levels, minimizing capital while ensuring clients' expectations are exceeded.
- Create dining room staff schedules in Advanced Tracker system and distribute to staff.
- Canadian recognized inter-provincial Red Seal in the field of cooking required.
- Advanced Food Safety Certification required.
- Five (5) years of experience in a similar role managing all operational aspects of a kitchen (minimum 75 seating capacity service) required.
- Five (5) years of experience in food cost management, labor management, planning and execution of food services and special events required.
- Thorough background in banquets, commercial settings, and catering required.
- Strong customer service experience required.
- Strong coaching and mentorship skills required.
- Clear criminal record check completed a maximum of three (3) months prior to the ‘date of hire’ required.
- Proof of fully-immunized COVID19 Vaccination (as per AHS requirements) required.
- Strong written and verbal English skills to effectively communicate with all residents, visitors and at all levels within the organization required.
- Certifications must comply with provincial regulations.
- Extensive knowledge of food handling and sanitation standards.
- Understanding of purchasing and maintenance of kitchen equipment.
- Financial management skills e.g., ability to understand and manage operating budgets, forecasting and scheduling.

Schedule:

- Day shift
- Weekend availability

**Experience**:

- Kitchen Management: 5 years (required)
- food cost management and labor management: 5 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

- Proof of COVID19 Immunization (required)
- Canadian recognized inter-provincial Red Seal (required)

Work Location: One location