Sous Chef (ECC)

About Us

We are Edmonton’s Destination Management and Marketing Organization (DMMO). We also manage two of Edmonton’s award-winning venues, the Edmonton Convention Centre and the Edmonton EXPO Centre. We help tell Edmonton’s story, elevate the Edmonton experience, and drive inbound visitation and economic impact in the visitor economy.

Working together in a one-team approach aligned by our core values, Explore Edmonton’s business units’ market and sell Edmonton as a year-round destination to visit, work, and play in while also developing products and experiences that have a uniquely Edmonton flavour. And by incorporating the management of the city’s two award-winning venues into Explore Edmonton, we are uniquely positioned to attract major events, meetings, and conventions to our city, generating greater economic impact. While Explore Edmonton’s mandate is focused on generating inbound visitation, what we do and how we do it also enhances and amplifies the quality of life for Edmontonians. The people who live here are our greatest ambassadors, so making it easier for them to love our city makes it easier for us to sell it.

About The Edmonton Convention Centre

Recognized as one of North America’s top five performing venues, the Edmonton Convention Centre is an iconic downtown meeting location that attracts and plays host to major events, meetings, concerts, galas, and conferences to our city. We elevate Edmonton as a conference and convention destination through our culinary excellence and by delivering outstanding guest experiences, while upholding the health and safety of our guests and employees. Built into the foundation of the Edmonton river valley, our venue is a community asset and a reflection of Edmonton, generating great economic impact and social benefits through a sustainable approach. Home to Canada’s largest building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) system, our iconic multi-leveled atrium sloping down the river valley is now a landmark of sustainability. The Edmonton Convention Center is a business segment of Explore Edmonton, Edmonton’s Destination Management, Marketing and Venue Management Organization.

About the Position

As a pivotal member of the culinary leadership team, the Sous Chef plays an instrumental role in supporting the Executive Chef by overseeing and executing all facets of kitchen operations with a focus on operational excellence, culinary innovation, and team leadership. This position requires a dynamic and results-oriented professional with a demonstrated track record of success in high-volume, premium event environments.

The ideal candidate brings a strategic mindset and refines culinary acumen, coupled with the ability to inspire, mentor, and manage diverse kitchen teams to consistently deliver world-class dining experiences. The Sous Chef will be accountable for upholding the highest standards in food quality, artistry of presentation, and adherence to health, safety, and sanitation regulations, while contributing to an inclusive and high-performing workplace culture.

This is a fully on-site leadership role requiring consistent physical presence across both the Edmonton Convention Centre and the Art Gallery of Alberta kitchen operations.

What You'll Do:

• Lead, mentor, and supervise a diverse culinary team, fostering a positive, safe, and high-performing kitchen culture aligned with organizational values.
• Support recruitment, training, scheduling, and ongoing staff development with a focus on hygiene, teamwork, and safety practices, including proper PPE use.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef on menu planning and execution for a wide range of events, ensuring food quality, presentation, and safety standards are consistently met.
• Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations, including inventory management, cost control, sanitation, and equipment maintenance to ensure seamless and safe service delivery.
• Lead kitchen execution during events, coordinating with front-of-house teams to ensure timely service and addressing challenges in real-time with professionalism.
• Drive culinary innovation by introducing new techniques and trends, while maintaining compliance with public health regulations and conducting regular audits and tastings.
• Champion workplace safety through adherence to WHMIS, OH&S, and HACCP standards, conducting inspections, and promoting continuous safety training and awareness.
• Analyze food costs, forecast production volumes, minimize waste, and troubleshoot operational issues to maintain efficiency, profitability, and guest satisfaction.

What You'll Bring:

• Minimum 5 years of progressive kitchen leadership experience in high-volume hotel or convention environments
• Leadership experience in a unionized environment is an asset.
• Proficiency with kitchen management systems (inventory, ordering, scheduling).
• Must require Red Seal certification. CCC or equivalent culinary training is an asset.
• Comprehensive knowledge of culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and large-scale food production, including up-to-date awareness of food safety standards (HACCP, WHMIS, and public health regulations).
• A strong understanding of menu planning, cost control, inventory systems, and event catering logistics in high-volume environments.
• Exceptional leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to coach and motivate staff in a fast-paced, dynamic kitchen.
• Excellent communication skills—both verbal and written—to coordinate effectively across kitchen, stewarding, and event teams.
• Strong time management and organizational abilities to prioritize tasks under tight deadlines.
• The ability to stay calm under pressure and make sound, timely decisions during service disruptions or high-pressure situations.
• A commitment to quality and consistency in high-volume food production, with excellent attention to detail in food preparation and plating.
• The physical stamina and flexibility to work long shifts, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, with the ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods.