Company Overview
Bytown Catering is the Ottawa-Gatineau Region’s #1 Choice for catering services. We are a growing locally-owned and operated business providing a range of food services across Eastern Ontario and the Outaouais region that include catering, outlets, restaurants, banquet hall rentals, BeaverTails Mobile franchise and wholesale production. Through all our growth, we remain true to our philosophy of excellence, continuous improvement, and respect for ecological, social and environmental ethics. Come grow your career with us!
Summary
We are a leading catering company based in Ottawa, partnered with a portfolio of prestigious clients across high-profile locations including national museums, high-profile venues, and corporate head offices. We are seeking a seasoned and strategic Food Service Director to lead the overall management of client relationships and food service operations with our key clients.
The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring operational excellence, client satisfaction, and sustainable business growth across multiple outlets and operations. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in food service operations, account management, and team leadership, with the ability to operate at both a strategic and operational level.
Responsibilities
Client Account Management:
- Serve as the primary contact for assigned client accounts, ensuring consistent communication and service alignment.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, understanding their evolving goals and ensuring alignment with service delivery.
- Respond to client feedback and requests in a timely and professional manner.
- Participate in regular site reviews and deliver client reporting and performance updates in accordance with contractual requirements.
Outlet Operations Oversight:
- Provide high-level operational leadership across a portfolio of diverse food service outlets (e.g., bistros, cafés, cafeterias, museum sites), ensuring high standards of service, cleanliness, and food quality.
- Oversee scheduling, staff deployment, and labor management to meet operational needs and budget targets.
- Support opening and closing procedures, inventory controls, vendor coordination, and compliance with safety and food handling regulations.
Team Leadership:
- Lead, mentor, and support a team of outlet managers and supervisors, fostering a culture of accountability, excellence, and innovation.
- Partner with HR to ensure effective recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing development of site-level staff.
- Supervise and support site leads, supervisors, and front-line staff.
- Assist in staff training, onboarding, and performance management.
- Promote a positive team culture centered on hospitality, accountability, and guest satisfaction.
Menu & Service Support:
- Collaborate with culinary teams to roll out menu updates and seasonal offerings.
- Ensure product consistency, presentation standards, and timely service across all locations.
- Gather feedback from guests and staff to support continuous improvement.
- Marketing & Engagement:
- Help implement site-level promotions, signage, and marketing initiatives.
- Support special events and seasonal campaigns in partnership with the Executive and Sales teams.
Administrative & Reporting Duties:
- Oversee the financial performance of each outlet, ensuring targets are met for revenue, food/labor costs, and profitability.
- Maintain accurate records of schedules, incidents, inventory, and operational logs.
- Identify operational efficiencies and cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality.
Other Details (Optional)
- Location: Multiple Sites across Ottawa
- This is an onsite, multisite position. The candidate would be expected to travel to sites across Ottawa as well as work onsite at company headquarters as their primary location.
- Standard hours of work are Monday to Friday during standard business hours.
- Availability on evenings and/or weekends to support outlet staff or for events is required from time to time.
Qualifications
- 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in food service, hospitality, or contract catering environments.
- Proven success in managing high-value client relationships at a senior management or executive level.
- Strong business acumen with a track record of delivering operational excellence and financial performance.
- Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire cross-functional teams.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills; ability to juggle priorities across multiple sites.
- Knowledge of tourist, government or institutional food service operations is a strong asset.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Point of Sale Systems, other business systems, and an ability to learn new business applications
- Bilingualism (English/French) is considered a significant advantage.
- Experience in event catering sales and event coordination is considered a significant advantage
- Valid Driver’s License and vehicle for transportation is required
- Ability to obtain a Government of Canada Security Clearance is required
Call-To-Action
If you are passionate about hospitality and looking to grow your career with a company that is fun, hospitality focused, and has plenty of growth opportunity, look no further. Apply today!
Bytown Catering is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Bytown Catering is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible application process. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact us at jessica.smith@bytowncatering.com to make a request. We are happy to support you.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $75,000.00-$90,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Mileage reimbursement
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
- On call
Work Location: In person