Sous Chef - Vancouver (Seasonal Full Time - March to October)
Purpose
Rocky Mountaineer (RM) is the world's largest privately-owned luxury passenger rail service. We are committed to living our values: Create Meaningful Moments, Be One Team, Achieve Extraordinary Outcomes. We endeavor to foster a work environment of respect, integrity, and honesty; where diversity is valued, and talent is developed to the benefit of the individual and the company.
As Rocky Mountaineer chefs, we create culinary experiences for our guests to enjoy while they are travelling through some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. We are an integral part of our customer experience and create meaningful moments to connect our guests to the lands that we travel through by showcasing local ingredients and cuisine.
The Sous Chef reports to the Train Manager, and is accountable to the Senior Onboard Manager, Chef de Cuisine, Executive Chef & Director of Onboard Operations.
The Sous Chef is a people leader who role models the values and culture or the organization, and supports the onboard culinary team through training, coaching and performance management.
The Sous Chef leads the onboard culinary team, is responsible for the execution of the onboard culinary program, and is accountable for the implementation of service, safety and food safety standards, programs and processes.
Key Areas of Accountability
• Responsible for the safety, security and First Aid of all crew and guests onboard while tracking and investigating all injuries/near misses. When required, supports the Train Manager with the execution of emergency response.
• Manages execution of the onboard culinary program, ensuring service and standards to exceed guest expectations.
• Drives the growth and development of all team members through recruitment, training, coaching, performance management and recognition.
• Responsible for ensuring the safety of all guests and crew through management of dietary requirements, allergens, daily cleaning of food production areas, and safe food handling procedures.
• Fosters a collaborative culture of service excellence through the leadership of Onboard Service Fundamentals.
• Encourages a One Team approach by building strong cross-departmental relationships and champions corporate initiatives, including Rocky Mountaineer's sustainability and waste reduction initiatives.
• Supports administrative requirements of the role, including but not limited to inventory management and ordering, payroll, crew assignments and crew accommodation in line with budget.
• Communicates all onboard maintenance and cleanliness issues.
• Identifies opportunities for innovation and actively participates in change management.
• Participates in strategic Rocky Mountaineer projects as required and assist in the execution of the annual Guest Experience Operating Plan.
Leading Culinary Activities
• Responsible for ensuring all meals are prepared and presented according to specification, while energizing a proactive approach to guest dietary requirements.
• Maintain the correct inventory of food, supplies and products while working within budget.
• Focused on improving service delivery through regular service audits, team members' input and guest feedback.
• Ensure food safety processes and proper food handling procedures are followed, including scheduled cleaning and sanitization of food preparation areas and equipment.
• Ensure the maintenance of kitchen equipment, standards of slicing techniques, utensil sanitizing, proper refrigeration, heating requirements, hand washing, cross-contamination prevention, spoilage identification, disposal and documentation.
• Work closely with onboard leadership team to provide seamless services and address any guest issues.
• Champion Rocky Mountaineer's waste reduction program and composting initiatives.
This position is deemed Safety Sensitive. This position requires the incumbent to periodically access an active railway area where impaired performance could result in a significant incident affecting the health and safety of team members, guests, team members, the public, property, or the environment.
Qualifications
Education/Certifications/Knowledge
• Undergraduate degree in hospitality/tourism management is preferred, or post-secondary with a combination of technical certification and experience
• Red Seal Culinary Certification; is an asset
• BC Food Safe Certification; is required
• Valid BC Driver's License; is an asset
Experience
• 5+ years of people leadership experience, including at least 3 years leading medium sized teams (20+ team members)
• 5+ years' experience working in a line or restaurant cooking position
• Previous experience in a luxury restaurant or hotel operation; is an asset
• Previous experience working in a remote operation; is an asset
Skills & Attributes
• Approaches decision making strategically with the ability to build relationships with onboard and support teams, external vendors and contractors
• Highly organized with advanced verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, and proficiency using Microsoft Office
• Experienced in understanding, communicating and influencing guest culinary experience scores
• Resilient and motivated in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment
• Demonstrates a polished leadership style, disciplined work ethic and strong emotional intelligence
Work Environment
• Safety-sensitive environment with exposure to railway operations
• Able to travel away from home base for up to 6 days at a time
• Exceptional physical endurance and emotional resiliency with the ability to work long days
• Occasional outdoor work in a variety of weather conditions
• Must be able to push, pull, lift and carry up to 50 pounds
• Must be legally authorized to work in Canada through the end of the season (April - October)
Perks and Benefits
• Position Salary Range : $30 to $32 per hour
• Average Working Hours : 64 hours per week (4 days work week)
• Short term incentive plan
• Up to 5% group RRSP Matching plan
• Two annual complimentary rail pass (beginning your 2nd season)
• Friends and family rail tickets and packages discount
• Exclusive discount with various partners on Perkopolis
• Work shoes reimbursement
• Growth opportunities
• Fun and inclusive team environment
Rocky Mountaineer is an equal opportunity employer, driven by our values of creating meaningful moments, being one team, and achieving extraordinary outcomes. Our strong company culture supports our vision of a diverse, open, safe, and respectful workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members. If you require any accommodations during the application process or throughout your employment, please let us know. We will work with you to ensure your needs are met and to create a supportive environment.
Please ensure to opt-in for text messages when you apply in order to receive interview updates.
This job description is not exhaustive of all duties and will encompass additional duties assigned. Responsibilities, title, reporting structure and duties may be changed in response to business requirements.