Job Description

Position Summary

The Meal & Kitchen Services Lead role is responsible for the planning, preparation, and delivery of nutritious, culturally grounded meals for residents of Cheam Supportive Housing.

This role advances community wellness by aligning menus with Canada's Food Guide, healthy eating practices, and Cheam cultural food traditions, while ensuring safe food handling, efficient kitchen operations, and budget management.

The position includes preparing continental breakfasts and hot suppers for Supportive Housing seven days per week (with advance preparation for weekends/holidays), as well as preparing meals for other community and staff events as required.

The right candidate will also have the opportunity to help build new food-based initiatives in the community. These could include an Elders meal program, services for those with mobility challenges, an after-school snack program, cooking classes with youth, or other creative ideas that support food security and cultural connection.

Duties and Responsibilities

Design weekly and monthly menus that reflect Canada's Food Guide, health-conscious practices, and Cheam cultural foods. Prepare and serve continental breakfasts and hot suppers for Supportive Housing residents; plan meals ahead to support weekend/holiday service as needed. Collaborate with leadership to explore and pilot new food initiatives in the community, such as programs for Elders, youth, or those with mobility challenges. Incorporate seasonal and traditional Indigenous foods and cooking methods whenever possible, adapting menus to individual dietary needs. Maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen in accordance with public health regulations and internal policies. Implement and document safe food handling practices; maintain accurate temperature logs for refrigeration, freezers, and hot-holding equipment. Monitor inventory, rotate stock (FIFO), and ensure appropriate storage and labeling of all food items and supplies. Safeguard equipment; report and coordinate maintenance needs promptly. Develop and manage a cost-effective food budget in collaboration with program leadership. Source and procure quality ingredients, prioritizing local, seasonal, and culturally relevant suppliers. Track expenditures, reconcile receipts, and provide timely budget updates and reports. Build respectful relationships with Elders and houseguests to understand preferences, allergies, and dietary requirements. Coordinate with program staff to align meal service with resident activities, appointments, and cultural events. Plan, prepare, and serve food for other community and staff events (e.g., gatherings, meetings, cultural celebrations) as requested, including occasional evening/weekend assignments. Perform other related tasks to support the success of Cheam Supportive Housing and Elders programs.

Required Qualifications

Minimum 2 years' proven experience as a cook, food coordinator, or similar role; community or supportive housing experience preferred. Knowledge of Canada's Food Guide, healthy eating practices, and Cheam cultural food traditions. Demonstrated ability to plan menus, scale recipes, and produce high-quality meals in quantity. Proven budgeting, purchasing, and inventory management skills. Valid Food Safe Level 1 (or ability to obtain promptly upon hire). Physical capacity to meet the demands of a kitchen environment, including safe lifting up to 50 lbs. Proficient with Microsoft 350 mainly Excel and Outlook.

Conditions of Work

Primary work is performed in a commercial kitchen environment with regular standing, lifting, and exposure to heat, humidity, and cleaning agents. Standard schedule is Monday to Friday, 6:00am - 2:00pm occasional evenings/weekends may be required to support community and staff events or emergent needs. Some traveling may be required.

How to Apply

Apply by submitting your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in this role.

Cheam First Nation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and culturally safe workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including Indigenous Peoples, women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities.

As an Indigenous organization, preference will be given to qualified Indigenous applicants (First Nations, Metis, and Inuit).

All applicants are encouraged to voluntarily self-identify in their application if they are a member of an equity-deserving group.

Thank you for your interest in joining our team at Cheam. We appreciate the time and effort you have made to apply for the role. Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We thank all applicants for their interest and encourage you to apply for future opportunities that match your qualifications.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00-$25.00 per hour

Benefits:

Dental care Employee assistance program Extended health care Life insurance On-site parking
Application question(s):

Are you First Nations, Metis, and Inuit? Do you have experience managing a budget? Detail you experience designing and preparing Nutritious meals based on client needs.
Work Location: In person