Job Description

Location:

Dartmouth, NS

Job Type:

Full-time, Permanent

Salary:

Competitive, based on experience

About Us

R&B Kitchen Inc. is an award-winning Canadian, Caribbean, and soul food fusion restaurant based in Dartmouth, NS. We have proudly served our community for over 5 years through takeout, catering, and large-scale meal programs. We have been selected as a top provider for the Nova Scotia School Lunch Program and are expanding our kitchen team to deliver nutritious, kid-friendly meals to schools across multiple clusters in the province.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly organized and experienced

Head Chef / Operations Manager

to lead our kitchen operations for the School Lunch Program. This role combines culinary leadership with operational management to ensure high-volume, high-quality meal production in a safe, efficient, and cost-effective manner.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership

Oversee daily preparation, cooking, and packaging of school lunch meals according to approved menus and nutritional guidelines. Develop and maintain recipes, portion standards, and food presentation that meet child nutrition standards and program requirements. Ensure meals are allergen-safe, follow dietary restrictions, and comply with food safety regulations.

Operational Management

Plan, coordinate, and manage kitchen workflow to meet daily production targets (hundreds to thousands of meals/day). Manage ordering, receiving, and inventory of food, packaging, and supplies. Implement and maintain food safety, sanitation, and health protocols (NS food safety standards). Coordinate delivery logistics with drivers and distribution partners to meet school schedules. Control food and labour costs to ensure budget compliance.

Team Leadership

Lead, train, and schedule kitchen staff, including cooks, prep staff, and packaging team members. Foster a positive, inclusive, and efficient work environment. Monitor staff performance and provide coaching as needed.

Administration

Track production numbers, waste, and delivery records for reporting to management and the provincial program. Work closely with ownership on menu planning, operational improvements, and scalability strategies.

Qualifications

Red Seal Chef Certification

or equivalent experience preferred. Minimum 3-5 years in a Head Chef, Kitchen Manager, or similar high-volume food service leadership role. Strong understanding of nutrition, portion control, and dietary needs for children. Proven ability to manage kitchen operations producing 500+ meals per day. Knowledge of food safety regulations and HACCP procedures. Exceptional organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

What We Offer

Competitive salary based on experience. 4 Weeks Vacation!! Opportunity to lead a high-impact community food program. Supportive, inclusive workplace culture. Professional growth opportunities as we expand operations.

How to Apply:

Submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience through Indeed or directly to

admin@rnbkitchen.com

. Please include "Head Chef/Operations Manager - School Lunch Program" in the subject line.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $38,000.00-$45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Commuter benefits Discounted or free food Flexible schedule On-site parking Paid time off Store discount
Ability to commute/relocate:

Dartmouth, NS B2W 3T8: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:

AEC / DEP or Skilled Trade Certificate (preferred)
Experience:

Head Chef: 3 years (required)
Licence/Certification:

Food Handler Certification (required)
Work Location: In person