The Centre for Newcomers is an Alberta leader in providing settlement, language training and employment readiness services to immigrants. Our mission is to achieve the integration of newcomers in the community, through services and initiatives that promote diversity, participation and citizenship. As a charitable society and non-profit corporation, we make a positive difference in the lives of all Calgarians.
EthniCity Catering and Cafés is a non-profit social enterprise of the Centre for Newcomers, providing transitional employment and training for immigrants and refugees. We are a fully operational commercial catering company with two café locations. Our trainees learn and expand their culinary knowledge by assisting with clients’ orders while gaining invaluable work experience.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Diploma or degree in Business Management/Marketing/Food Services, Hospitality, or Food and Beverage Management (minimum requirement)
• Competency in Social Enterprise operations
• Minimum of 3 years of recent experience in a comparable leadership role
• Demonstrated ability in resource planning, prioritization, multitasking, and effective time management
• Proven supervisory experience with strong leadership skills, including mentorship, facilitation, and team influence
• In-depth understanding of commercial kitchen operations and current food industry standards
• Experience with multicultural cuisines and cooking skills are considered a strong asset
• Strong business acumen with a focus on operational efficiency and growth
• Excellent customer service orientation and effective verbal and written communication skills
• Flexibility to work a variety of schedules, including evenings and holidays
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
• Must possess a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record; ability to operate the EthniCity delivery van
• Must be legally eligible to work in Canada

Coach and mentor staff and kitchen trainees, fostering a high-performing, mission-aligned team. Collaborate with the training team to align kitchen training curriculum with contract deliverables and support meaningful, skills-based learning experiences.

• Client & Stakeholder Engagemen

Lead the development and execution of standard operating procedures, health and safety standards, and ensure compliance with AHS permits and business regulatory requirements.

• Process Improvemen

THE ROLE

The Business Manager leads the operations and personnel of EthniCity Catering and Cafés, ensuring efficiency, productivity, and alignment with business and marketing strategies. This role oversees day-to-day operations across two cafés and a catering service, drives growth through strategic planning, and ensures contractual obligations are met. The Manager is responsible for performance monitoring, partnership development, and leading a team to achieve sales, revenue, and service goals across all locations. The Manager works closely with the training team to support the learning and development of kitchen trainees, contributing to the social enterprise’s mission of increasing employability among program participants.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Strategic Leadership & Planning

Develop and execute strategic business, marketing, and operational plans to drive revenue growth, increase community visibility, and enhance customer engagement. Lead menu and recipe development, pricing strategy, and gross margin control to ensure financial sustainability and expansion potentials.

• Operations & Service Delivery

Oversee daily operations across cafés, catering, and community programs, ensuring high standards in service quality, product fulfillment, and customer satisfaction. Lead procurement, inventory management, and production planning to optimize cost-efficiency and product availability. Provide support to the kitchen team in production assembly and cooking.

• Team Development & Training

Coach and mentor staff and kitchen trainees, fostering a high-performing, mission-aligned team. Collaborate with the training team to align kitchen training curriculum with contract deliverables and support meaningful, skills-based learning experiences.

• Client & Stakeholder Engagement

Manage institutional client relationships, support events, and co-develop impactful programs through strong internal and external partnerships. Ensure seamless translation of catering reservations into production and delivery, including participation in key events.

• Compliance & Standards

Lead the development and execution of standard operating procedures, health and safety standards, and ensure compliance with AHS permits and business regulatory requirements.

• Process Improvement

Streamline workflows, optimize resource allocation, and introduce efficiencies to support sustainable growth and operational excellence.