Food Service Manager

Title: Food Service Manager 

Location: Big Cove Camp, Thorburn, NS 

Position Status: Full-Time, Temporary 

Start Date: May 2026 

Compensation: $850+ per week 

There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine. 

Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages, social isolation, mental health issues, access to wellness, and more. Today, our network is spread across 100+ program locations in HRM and the province, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities in mental health supports, accessible childcare, supporting an increasing immigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, helping to navigate a precarious labour market, delivering wellness programming for all, and creating community for isolated older adults.  

We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When they know someone’s in their corner, with unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought possible. It’s your support, expertise, and guidance that helps people ignite their full potential and shape our neighborhoods into vibrant and healthy communities.   

With us at their side, they can Shine On.  

About the role: 

The Food Service Manager ensures that high-quality and nutritional food is provided to camp participants. The goal is to provide an environment that supports the camp’s vision of growing and building relationships in an outdoor setting. The incumbent manages the camp’s food service operation preparing and cooking 3 meals a day within the established budget and maintains the highest standards of health and sanitation possible. The incumbent supervises kitchen staff, the ordering and preparation of food, and menu planning.  

In this role, you will: 

Menu Planning & Nutrition 

• Prepare weekly menus that provide nutritious, well-balanced, and appealing meals. 
• Ensure menus meet the dietary needs of campers, including allergies, restrictions, and special diets. 
• Adapt meals when necessary to accommodate individual dietary requirements. 

Food Preparation & Cooking 

• Prepare and cook three meals a day for campers and staff. 
• Ensure meals are delivered on time and in accordance with scheduled program times. 
• Maintain consistent quality, taste, and presentation of all food served. 

Ordering & Inventory Management 

• Order food and kitchen supplies according to prescribed menus and budget guidelines. 
• Maintain accurate inventory and ensure proper storage, rotation, and labeling of all food items. 
• Receive and check deliveries to ensure accuracy and quality. 

Staff Leadership & Supervision 

• Schedule, train, and supervise food service staff, including the Assistant Cook. 
• Assign duties, monitor performance, and provide ongoing feedback and support. 
• Foster a positive, team-oriented work environment. 

Health, Safety & Sanitation 

• Maintain a high standard of cleanliness throughout the kitchen, dining spaces, and storage areas. 
• Ensure kitchen and food-handling practices meet or exceed Health Department regulations and YMCA standards. 
• Monitor equipment and report any safety issues or maintenance needs promptly. 

Camp & Community Support 

• Demonstrate patience and a positive attitude when interacting with campers and staff. 
• Help create a welcoming dining environment that supports camper well-being and development. 
• Model strong work ethic, sound judgment, and professionalism at all times. 

Administrative & Operational Duties 

• Work within the established budget to ensure cost-effective food service operations. 
• Keep accurate records related to menus, inventories, orders, and staff schedules. 
• Participate in camp meetings, planning sessions, and staff training as required. 

Education and skills qualifications:  

Minimum Qualifications

• Food Handlers Certification  
• Standard First Aid & CPR-C  
• WHMIS Certification  

Experience 

• Previous experience in food service, commercial kitchens, or institutional cooking  
• Experience preparing meals for large groups (e.g., camps, schools, or cafeterias). 
• Experience planning menus and working within a food budget. 
• Experience supervising kitchen staff or leading a small team  
• Experience accommodating dietary restrictions, allergies, and special diets. 

Skills & Competencies 

• Strong knowledge of safe food handling, storage procedures, and Public Health regulations. 
• Ability to prepare healthy, appealing meals efficiently and on schedule. 
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, including inventory tracking and ordering. 
• Good judgment and decision-making skills in a fast-paced environment. 
• Ability to supervise, train, and motivate kitchen staff, including the Assistant Cook. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills. 
• Ability to maintain a clean, safe, and sanitary kitchen environment. 
• Patience, professionalism, and a positive attitude when interacting with children and staff. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 
• Physically able to lift, carry, and move supplies as needed (e.g., boxes, pots, bulk items). 

Personal Attributes 

• Strong work ethic. 
• Positive, team-oriented mindset. 
• Commitment to YMCA values, including safety, community, and inclusion. 
• Interest in supporting healthy child development through nutritious food services. 

To apply: 

Please apply online at https://ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/. 

Please note that all successful candidates are required to provide: 

• A Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Register Check (less than 6 months old), if 18 years of age or older 
• A valid First Aid and CPR Training 

Please note that background checks are reviewed on an individual basis – offenses, if any, are based on role and Child Safeguarding requirements, and may not eliminate candidates from employment at our YMCA. 

At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full, authentic self to work. We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences enrich our organization, enabling us to better serve our community and achieve our mission. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, racially diverse, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, gender-diverse people, people with diverse abilities, members of ethnic minorities and faith groups, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. 

If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation.