Head Cook

Part-time; Event Based

Wage & Paygrade : $26.12 / hr (PG 47) plus 10% in lieu of benefits and vacation

Date Posted : March 5, 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 looking for an experienced Head Cook with strong culinary, leadership, organization, and time-management skills.

The Head Cook will be responsible for guiding and overseeing the catering kitchen, managing staff, developing recipes and menus, and ensuring all dishes are executed successfully.

The Head Cook of the Food & Beverage Department will work under the direction of the Chef / Kitchen Manager and is expected to maintain a high standard of food quality and presentation, while ensuring work is performed in compliance with FOODSAFE guidelines and all other applicable 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!

What will you do this year?

In your role as a Head Cook , your primary accountabilities will be to :

• Collaborate with Food & Beverage Managers to plan and develop recipes and menus
• Create and cook a variety of dishes, ranging from small scale catered events to larger scale buffet style dishes
• Assign duties to and supervise 1 16 kitchen staff, ranging from dishwashers, prep-cooks, and cooks
• Determine production schedules and staff requirements necessary to ensure timely delivery of services
• Monitor sanitation practices to ensure that employees follow FOODSAFE guidelines, standards and regulations.
• Working and planning towards seasonal ingredients and the expected number of customers for various catered functions and quick service locations
• 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
• Working with budgets when ordering food and other supplies needed to ensure efficient kitchen operations while
• Analyze recipes to assign prices to menu items, based on food, labor, and overhead costs
• Perform the function of short order cook as required
• Ensure PNE Uniform and Appearance Policy is adhered to at all times
• Performs other related duties as required

What else?

• Must have a minimum of 2-3 years’ experience cooking in the Food & Beverage Industry
• Must have supervisory experience in the Food & Beverage Industry
• Must have successful completion of Grade 12
• Red Seal Certification is preferred.
• Post-Secondary education in a related field is preferred
• Must be FOODSAFE Level 1 Certified
• FOODSAFE Level 2 Certification is considered an asset
• 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 in order to establish effective working relationships with staff, guests and clients
• Successful candidates must undergo a Criminal Record Check.

Who are you?

• Organized
• Methodical
• Proactive
• Skillful communicator
• Critical thinker
• Committed to striving for excellence.

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.

Preference will be given to candidates who submit their resume / cover letter before Sunday, April 28. 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 [email protected] .