Executive Chef

Full-Time; Permanent

Date Posted: January 15, 2025

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 115-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 seeking an experienced Executive Chef with robust culinary, leadership, organizational, and time-management skills. The Executive Chef will lead and supervise kitchen operations, oversee staff, create recipes and menus, manage kitchen expenses, coordinate with suppliers, and ensure the successful execution of all dishes.

The Executive Chef in the Food & Beverage Department will report to the Food and Beverage Director and is responsible for upholding a superior level of food quality and presentation. This includes ensuring adherence to FOODSAFE guidelines, as well as all relevant 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 an Executive Chef, your primary accountabilities will be to:

• Develop a variety of costed recipes and menus for catering and quick serve applications.
• Determines plating and presentation plans ranging from plated catered events and larger scale buffet style dishes to quick serve items.
• Step in to perform cooking duties as needed to support the team and ensure smooth operations.
• Lead pre-shift meetings when necessary
• Hire, train and manage a core kitchen staff of a team of up to 16. Assist with training concession staff
• Order and manage inventory levels to achieve budgeted food cost
• Comfortable pulling information from F&B software to forecast production requirements for events. Evaluate inventory levels and ingredient availability to effectively plan production schedules.
• Assess the quality and satisfaction levels of the food and beverage programs, implementing necessary changes or modifications as deemed appropriate.
• Manage food, labor, and indirect costs.
• Help with financial planning and budgeting
• Administer Collective Agreements related to employees, with support from the People & Culture Department, addressing employee concerns, investigations, and disciplinary matters.
• Collaborate effectively within the Food and Beverage team and with other departments within the organization
• Understand, demonstrate and create standard operating procedures for cooking and kitchen equipment.
• Monitor sanitation practices and ensure that employees follow FOODSAFE guidelines, standards, and regulations.
• Ensure PNE Uniform and Appearance Policy is always adhered to.
• Performs other related duties as required.

What else?

• Must have 5 -7 years' experience cooking in the Food & Beverage Industry.
• Must have a minimum of 3 years' experience managing staff in the Food & Beverage Industry.
• Must have successful completion of Grade 12.
• Must be FOODSAFE Level 1 Certified.
• Must possess a valid Class 5 or 7 BC driver's license.
• Must have experience developing and working within budgets for various food programs.
• 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 optimize kitchen processes.
• Must have working knowledge of various computer software programs including MS Office.
• Must possess excellent communication & interpersonal skills to establish effective working relationships with staff, guests, and clients.
• Willingness and ability to work on an event-based work schedule will require extended hours and workweeks (weekends and late nights).
• Red Seal Certification is preferred.
• Successful candidates must undergo a Criminal Record Check.

Who are you?

• Organized
• Creative
• Proactive
• Skillful communicator
• Critical thinker
• Strong business acumen
• Excels at project management
• Systems oriented
• 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.We look forward to hearing from you!

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 $80,000 - $95,000 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 .