Head Chef / Executive Chef for Catering & Events Company

Head Chef / Executive Chef (Catering & Events)

Location: Barrie, ON

Salary: $65,000–$80,000 per year (commensurate with experience)

Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Hiring Company: Confidential (details shared during the interview process)

Recruitment Partner: HRCovered Inc.

Lead the Kitchen. Shape the Future.

We are a well-established and highly respected catering company based in Barrie that has been creating exceptional culinary experiences for nearly 30 years. From elegant weddings and corporate functions to celebrations of life, private parties, and large-scale events, our team is known for delivering outstanding food and memorable service.

As our business continues to grow, we're looking for an experienced Head Chef / Executive Chef to lead our kitchen and help take our culinary operations to the next level. This is more than a traditional chef position. We're looking for someone who enjoys building systems, mentoring a team, creating consistency, and helping a successful business continue to evolve. If you're passionate about high-quality food, thrive in an event-driven environment, and have experience executing large-scale catered events, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Be Doing

As our Head Chef, you'll oversee all culinary operations for both our banquet facility and off-site catered events. Working closely with ownership and our administrative team, you'll play a key role in ensuring every event exceeds client expectations.

Responsibilities include:

• Leading all food preparation and kitchen operations for weddings, corporate events, banquets, and private functions
• Executing high-quality meals for events ranging from intimate gatherings to 300+ guests
• Supervising, mentoring, scheduling, and developing the kitchen team
• Collaborating with management on menu development, seasonal features, and customized client requests
• Standardizing recipes and kitchen processes to improve consistency, ordering, and food cost control
• Managing inventory, purchasing, receiving, and supplier relationships
• Monitoring food and labour costs while minimizing waste
• Maintaining the highest standards of food safety, cleanliness, and organization
• Coordinating food production and logistics for off-site catering events
• Assisting with equipment maintenance planning and kitchen organization

What We're Looking For

We're seeking an experienced culinary leader who enjoys both cooking and building strong kitchen operations.

Must Have:

• 5+ years of leadership experience as a Head Chef, Executive Chef, Chef de Cuisine, Catering Chef, or experienced Sous Chef ready to step into a leadership role
• Experience preparing and executing high-volume catered events or banquet service for 200-300+ guests
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing kitchen staff
• Experience with inventory management, food costing, ordering, and kitchen operations
• Catering, banquet hall, golf club, country club, hotel, conference centre, or event venue experience
• Food Handler Certification
• Valid G Driver's Licence
• Clean Driving Abstract
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends based on event schedules

Preferred Qualifications:

• Red Seal Certification a plus but not required
• Experience developing standardized recipes and improving kitchen systems
• Strong understanding of dietary accommodations and menu customization

What We're Looking For (And What We're Not)

This opportunity is best suited for someone who has built their career in high-volume catering, banquet, hotel, golf club, country club, conference centre, or event-based hospitality.

While restaurant experience is valuable, applicants whose background is limited to line cooking or quick-service restaurants without large-scale banquet production are unlikely to be the right fit.

Why Join Us?

• Join an established company with nearly 30 years of success
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a growing business
• Work closely with an owner who values new ideas and continuous improvement
• Help modernize kitchen systems and standardize recipes
• Lead a small, close-knit, supportive team
• Flexible scheduling with event schedules provided well in advance
• Mileage reimbursement when using your personal vehicle for events
• Complimentary meals while working
• Health benefits are expected to be introduced in the near future

Compensation

• $65,000-$80,000 salary annually (based on experience and qualifications)
• Two weeks' vacation
• Health benefits coming soon ( fall 2026)
• Mileage reimbursement for approved travel or company vehicle when needed

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