Kitchen Team Lead
Hope Mission — Calgary Hub
Job Title: Kitchen Team Lead
Department: Calgary Hub
Reports To: Head Cook
Employment Type: Full-Time Temporary
Work Schedule: 40 hours per week (including weekends)
Location: Calgary
About Hope Mission
Hope Mission is a Christian non-profit social care agency that has been serving vulnerable people in Alberta since 1929. We are one of Alberta’s largest social service agencies and currently operate emergency shelters, addiction recovery programs, youth programs, community outreach services, housing programs, and health programs (delivered through our HopeHealth division) across Edmonton, Red Deer, Wetaskiwin, and beyond. Our work is grounded in our Christian faith and our commitment to walking alongside individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, and addiction. Staff are expected to uphold Hope Mission’s mission and values and to approach their work with professionalism and genuine heart for service.
Position Summary
The Kitchen Team Lead is a hands-on working leader responsible for coordinating the daily operation of the kitchen and providing clear direction to kitchen staff and volunteers during assigned shifts. Reporting to the Head Cook, this role participates directly in meal preparation, food handling, cleaning, and inventory while leading the team to keep kitchen operations organized, on schedule, and in compliance with food safety procedures and Hope Mission standards.
The Team Lead is expected to take ownership of shift operations, assign and coordinate workflow among team members, address day-to-day operational issues within the scope of the role, and escalate significant concerns to the Head Cook or Manager as required.
Key Responsibilities
Meal Preparation & Kitchen Support
- Lead and coordinate the preparation of high-volume meals according to established menus and instructions.
- Participate in and direct food preparation, portioning, serving, packaging, and cleanup as needed to maintain efficient service.
- Participate meal preparation for Hope Mission programs and locations as required.
- Ensure identified dietary requirements are clearly communicated, assigned, and accommodated during the shift.
Food Safety & Sanitation
- Maintain and monitor clean and sanitary food preparation and storage areas throughout the shift.
- Ensure team compliance with established food-handling, sanitation, and kitchen safety procedures throughout the shift.
- Oversee and participate in routine cleaning and closing duties.
- Report food safety, sanitation, equipment, or maintenance concerns to the Head Cook or Manager.
Inventory & Food Storage
- Monitor food and supply levels during the shift, take appropriate operational action where possible, and communicate shortages or concerns to the Head Cook.
- Store food appropriately and follow FIFO practices.
- Monitor food condition and expiry dates during daily kitchen activities.
- Participate in receiving, organizing, and storing purchased or donated food and supplies.
- Lead day-to-day efforts to minimize food waste through proper portioning, rotation, and storage practices.
Kitchen Operations
- Lead and maintain established kitchen workflow and procedures during the shift.
- Maintain organized workspaces, refrigerators, freezers, pantries, and storage areas.
- Use kitchen equipment safely and report damaged or malfunctioning equipment.
- Coordinate kitchen responsibilities for special events and other kitchen-related operational needs as assigned.
Team Leadership & Volunteer Coordination
- Assign and coordinate tasks among kitchen staff and volunteers during the shift to keep service on schedule and ensure responsibilities are completed.
- Orient, direct, and supervise volunteers in food preparation, cleanup, and kitchen safety procedures during the shift.
- Maintain respectful and professional communication; address routine performance, workflow, and operational issues that arise during the shift and escalate significant concerns as appropriate.
- Set a positive example for the kitchen team and promote a respectful, accountable environment consistent with Hope Mission’s Christian mission and values.
Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Completion of high school.
- Demonstrated leadership or team lead experience in a kitchen, food service, hospitality, or comparable hands-on operational setting is required; this may include shift lead, line lead, charge hand, or similar coordination roles.
- Minimum 2–3 years of commercial, institutional, restaurant, or other high-volume kitchen experience required; experience preparing meals for larger groups is an asset.
- Valid Food Safety / Food Handler certification is required at time of hire.
- AHS Food Safety Basics training is required; additional food safety training is an asset.
- WHMIS and First Aid/CPR certification are assets.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong time-management and organizational skills.
- Ability to lead the implementation of established menus, procedures, and instructions during assigned shifts.
- Ability to lead and coordinate a team effectively, including assigning work, providing clear direction, and following up on task completion.
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to give clear direction, provide constructive guidance, and address day-to-day issues appropriately.
- Solid working knowledge of food storage, sanitation, and safe food-handling practices.
- Strong initiative, accountability, and sound judgment to lead shift priorities and make day-to-day operational decisions with minimal direction.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand for extended periods.
- Able to lift up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Personal Qualities
- Commitment to Hope Mission’s mission and values, including compassion, respect, integrity, and excellence.
- Dependable, proactive, and self-motivated with a genuine concern for the wellbeing of others.
- Respectful and professional when interacting with staff, guests, volunteers, and community members.
- Strong sense of accountability and stewardship of organizational resources.
- A belief that recovery is possible and that together we can end chronic homelessness.
Other Requirements
- As a Christian organization, Hope Mission requires employees to sign the Hope Mission Statement of Faith.
- Must be legally entitled to work in Canada on a full-time basis.
- Able to provide a Criminal Record Check with a Vulnerable Sector Search.
- A letter of reference from a ministry or church is an asset.
- Adherence to Hope Mission’s policies and procedures.
How to Apply
Applicants are invited to submit a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications and why they would like to work for a Christian organization. Please include the contact information for at least two professional references.
Applications should be submitted to [email protected]. We thank all applicants for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Benefits:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Calgary, AB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- Tell us why you want to work with a Christian organization. You can include this information in your cover letter or below.
Work Location: In person
