Kitchen Manager

at  Klala Lelum

We are seeking an individual committed to promoting wellness and equitable access to food security for Indigenous peoples and the Downtown Eastside (DTES) community to join the Kitchen team in the Relational Care Program at Kilala Lelum Health Centre. Kilala Lelum offers integrated primary care, allied health services, Elder-led cultural care, and Food as Medicine, and a range of specialized programs. Our services prioritize Indigenous cultural healing and Ways of Being/Knowing while being trauma-informed, member-centered, and grounded in harm reduction. We aim to contribute to a health system that is accessible, safe, and reflective of our member’s needs and aspirations.
The Relational Care Program is designed to provide food security, nursing, allied healthcare, and Elder-led cultural care for Kilala Lelum members. Currently, our programming provides roughly 1028 Meals a week to members.
We invite you to join our dedicated team in making a tangible impact in the lives of Indigenous and DTES community members, contributing to the creation of a healthier, more equitable future.

JOB SUMMARY:

Reporting to the Relational Care Lead, the Kitchen Manager will play a critical role in advancing the mission of Kilala Lelum Health Centre by guiding the Food as Medicine initiative within the Relational Care Program.
This position is responsible for overseeing the kitchen team and providing guidance, support, and oversight to staff. The role is actively involved in the planning, preparation, and service of delicious and nutritious food within the Relational Care space. The right applicant will be passionate about food and provide the team with professional development opportunities, foster communication, and uplift staff, cultivating an atmosphere of respect, diversity, and inclusion where every team member feels valued. The Kitchen Manager will also ensure that food preparation and services align with the principles of health equity, cultural safety, and wellness for Indigenous peoples, and the Downtown Eastside (DTES) community. This space is open 365 days a year from 08:30am-1:30pm for daily breakfast and lunch.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS:

• Preference will be given to candidates with Indigenous ancestry. Experience and knowledge of Indigenous peoples and Indigenous culture is extremely beneficial. Completion of a cultural competency training or willingness to participate required.
• A degree or diploma in a related field and/or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience (please provide detail in your cover letter).
• Minimum four years’ experience in a community services setting that serves Indigenous community members and/or communities with multiple barriers to health and wellness equity, preferably within the DTES. Equivalent experience and training will be considered (please provide detail in your cover letter).
• Leadership training and/or experience is considered a strong asset, specifically in a community services setting.
• Experience in food preparation, menu planning, and managing a kitchen team.
• Ability to be culturally safe when working with staff and alongside members.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Flexible, team-oriented, and committed to respectful, collaborative problem-solving with team members.
• Demonstrated commitment to trauma-informed, member-centered, harm reduction, and recovery-oriented practices.
• Foodsafe Level 1