Catering Sous Chef

Sous Chef

Gather Catering is a made-from-scratch boutique catering company that delivers exceptional food and service for events throughout Calgary. We cater a wide variety of functions, including corporate breakfasts and lunches, cocktail receptions, weddings, private dinners, birthday celebrations, baby showers, celebrations of life, and other special events.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Sous Chef to support our Head Chef in leading our culinary team. This hands-on leadership role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced catering environment and enjoys mentoring others while ensuring every event is executed to the highest standard.

Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations & Event Execution

• Assist the Head Chef with the day-to-day operation of the kitchen and event production.
• Review daily event requirements and production schedules.
• Lead food preparation and execution for both on-site and off-site catering events.
• Help establish daily production priorities and ensure all events are prepared and executed on time.
• Supervise and support cooks and event chefs, providing guidance and maintaining high culinary standards.
• Prepare and cook food on a regular basis, leading by example and assisting wherever needed.
• Ensure consistency in recipe execution, presentation, portioning, and quality across all events.
• Step into a leadership role in the Head Chef's absence.

Food Quality & Menu Support

• Assist with seasonal menu development, recipe testing, and new menu ideas.
• Follow and maintain standardized recipes and production guides.
• Monitor food quality throughout production and service.
• Contribute ideas to enhance presentation, efficiency, and the overall guest experience.

Inventory & Kitchen Organization

• Assist with ordering food and kitchen supplies.
• Help monitor inventory levels and communicate ordering needs.
• Ensure ingredients and equipment are organized and ready for upcoming events.
• Support food cost control by minimizing waste and following portion standards.
• Ensure equipment is cleaned, maintained, and reported for repair when necessary.

Team Leadership

• Help train, mentor, and support kitchen staff.
• Foster a positive, respectful, and collaborative kitchen culture.
• Provide day-to-day direction to the culinary team during production and events.
• Assist with onboarding and ongoing staff development.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety.
• Ensure proper food handling, storage, preparation, and transportation procedures are followed.
• Assist in maintaining a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of professional culinary experience, including experience as a Sous Chef, Junior Sous Chef, or senior line cook.
• Previous catering or banquet experience is considered an asset.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, inventory control, and kitchen operations.
• Experience leading a team in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time-management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Passion for high-quality food, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace is an asset.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving abstract.
• Ability to lift 25–50 lbs and stand for extended periods.
• Availability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Legally eligible to work in Canada.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation based on experience.
• Opportunities for growth and professional development.
• A collaborative and supportive team environment.
• The opportunity to work on a wide variety of unique events and create exceptional dining experiences.

Pay will be based on experience. Only prospective candidates will be contacted.

Pay: $50,000.00-$57,000.00 per year

Benefits

• On-site parking
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person