Chef jobs, Local food, Farm-to-table

Hiring: Production Chef - Local Food Catering
Company: Mensch Kitchen and Catering
Location:  Lake Cowichan, Cowichan Valley / near Duncan BC (ability to commute or relocate)

About us

Mensch Kitchen and Catering is Vancouver Island’s premier farm-to-table catering company.

We offer a mix of corporate and event catering, as well as online retail goods. Our production kitchen is located in Lake Cowichan, and we proudly source the majority of our produce and meat from within the Cowichan Valley. Supporting local producers and cultivating a circular economy are at the heart of everything we do. Every event we cater is a contribution toward strengthening community resilience.

We craft unique, sophisticated seasonal menus and strive to deliver excellent food experiences to our clients.

About the Role

The Production Chef plays a central role in Mensch’s success. You’ll be responsible for completing prep tasks on time, helping our team maintain pace and meet quality standards, and ensuring consistent execution of our offerings. This position reports directly to the co-owner and Executive Chef.

We’re looking for someone with a strong background in kitchens, especially with whole ingredients and from-scratch cooking, who’s organized, positive, and excited to work with the highest-quality locally sourced ingredients.

Ideal candidate would have 5+ years experience in kitchens working with whole ingredients and scratch cooking, a positive attitude and is excited to work with the highest quality locally sourced ingredients. Strong organizational skills are a must.

About you:

• You have a positive attitude and passion for working with high quality ingredients
• You can communicate consistently with team members and Chef
• You have 5+ years of experience in kitchens and have strong knife skills
• You are a strong worker with sense of urgency and a team mentality
• You have strong time management skills
• You can prepare items as per prep list and daily requirements.
• Always ensures the highest standard of cleanliness, and works proactively to reduce waste, while maintaining the highest quality of food served.
• You understand inventory management and workflow.
• You have a Foodsafe certificate
• Prepared for physical requirements of kitchen duties. (Heavy lifting and full shifts on your feet)
• You have reliable transportation and are flexible with scheduling within reason.

Position details:

• The production chef is responsible for completion of required items on a daily and weekly basis
• The production chef may work with our executive chef to build out and prioritize weekly prep lists and place orders
• The production chef will ensure consistency in final items as Mensch standards
• The production chef will be required to work independently
• The production chef will communicate with team members to ensure prep items are completed in their absence and hold the team accountable to Mensch's standards and expectations.
• The production chef will follow recipes and maintain Mensch's standards
• The production chef may aid in packing and loading for events
• The production chef will clearly label and organize event prep throughout the week
• The production chef will be responsible for inventory management of produce, frozen and pantry items
• The production chef will be responsible for organizing refrigerated and frozen product
• The production chef will assist with placing, receiving and stocking product orders
• The production chef will contribute to menu development in takeout and frozen/pantry offerings
• The production chef may at times supervise the Post Event Sanitation team (schedule dependent)

Perks & Benefits

• Extended health benefits
• One paid volunteer day per year
• Referral bonus program
• Opportunities to grow within a mission-driven, locally focused company

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent, Seasonal

Pay: $25.00-$28.00 per hour

Expected hours: 32 – 40 per week

Additional pay:

• Overtime pay
• Tips

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Discounted or free food
• Extended health care
• Flexible schedule
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Store discount
• Vision care

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Weekends as needed

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Lake Cowichan, BC V0R 2G1: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience:

• cooking: 5 years (required)

Location:

• Lake Cowichan, BC V0R 2G1 (preferred)

Work Location: In person

How to Apply:

Please email Chef@menschkitchen.ca with "Production Chef" in the subject line, attaching your resume and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in the position and availablity.

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.