Assistant Manager, Catering

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 116-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 which averages 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 Assistant Manager, Catering who has a strong passion for the Food & Beverage industry and the PNE. This role is ideal for an experienced hospitality professional with strong food & beverage knowledge, proven leadership ability, and excellent organizational and time-management skills.

The Assistant Manager, Catering will play a key role in leading and supervising Playland corporate events, as well as supports the staffing, coordination, and operational execution of year-round events across multiple on-site venues. Working closely with the Catering Manager, this role helps ensure events are properly staffed, efficiently run, and delivered to a high standard.

Reporting to Manager, Catering, the Assistant Manager, Catering is responsible for ensuring that the cleanliness, logistics, and overall aesthetics of all catered events meet departmental standards. A key focus of the role is delivering a superior level of food quality, presentation, and service, while ensuring compliance with FOODSAFE guidelines, applicable legislation, and all 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 Assistant Manager, Catering, your primary accountabilities will be to:

• Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of catered events, with a primary focus on Playland Corporate BBQs, as well as banquets, meetings, and select concerts.
• Oversee and actively support the setup, service, and breakdown of Corporate BBQs and catered functions to ensure smooth event flow and on-time execution.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels, coverage, and catering equipment are in place to meet event requirements and service standards.
• Supervise, lead, and support a team of catering staff, including participation in recruitment, onboarding, orientation, and training of new employees.
• Prepare and manage staff schedules within established timelines, while aligning labour needs with operational demands and budget targets.
• Provide ongoing guidance, leadership, and performance management to catering staff throughout their employment at the PNE.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and well-organized work environment, ensuring compliance with FOODSAFE standards, safety regulations, and departmental procedures.
• Ensure a high level of client and guest satisfaction by addressing concerns, resolving operational issues efficiently, and responding to feedback in a professional manner.
• Prepare and manage client correspondence, event documentation, file maintenance, and other related administrative tasks.
• Liaise directly with clients and internal stakeholders to ensure events are executed smoothly while adhering to approved budgets and service scopes.
• Continuously look for opportunities to enhance service standards and operational efficiency, addressing issues related to Food & Beverage operations as they arise.
• Enforce departmental and organization-wide policies and procedures to ensure consistency and compliance across all catered events.
• Ensure all operating equipment, furnishings, and supplies are properly used, maintained, stored, and secured.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the overall success of the Food & Beverage Department.

What else?

• Successful completion of Grade 12; post-secondary education in Hospitality, Culinary, Business, or a related field is considered an asset.
• A minimum of two (2) years of supervisory or management experience within the Food & Beverage industry, preferably in banquets, conventions, catering, or large-scale event operations in a high-volume venue.
• Strong working knowledge of the Food & Beverage industry, including catering operations, menu planning, and forward event planning.
• FoodSafe Level 1 - Level 2 considered an asset.
• Serving It Right certificate is required.
• Proven leadership and people-management skills, with the ability to motivate teams, provide coaching, and address performance concerns effectively.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to read, write, speak, and understand English for operational, safety, and customer-service purposes.
• Demonstrated ability to independently handle guest concerns and resolve complaints in a professional and timely manner.
• Exceptional attention to detail, along with strong organizational and time-management skills in a fast-paced, event-driven environment.
• Strong administrative skills, including working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and both electronic and hard-copy file management systems. Any experience with Volante POS or Momentus is considered an asset.
• Ability to interact positively with clients, guests, and staff while maintaining a professional, customer-focused demeanor.
• Strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify potential issues early and take proactive steps to prevent escalation.
• Availability and willingness to work an event-based schedule, including extended hours, evenings, weekends, and peak event periods.
• 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.

Additional Information

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 $57,000 - $67,000 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.

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.