Team Lead, Food Services - Culinary Operations

Ready to start your next chapter with NAIT?

At NAIT, we’re passionate about building a team of talented, dedicated professionals who share our commitment to excellence and innovation. Your skills and experience can shape the future of education and make a real impact in our community.

If this opportunity feels like the right fit for you, we encourage you to apply and join us in creating a brighter future – together.

Important Application Deadline Notice

Please note that Workday closes job postings at 11:59pm MST on the day before the posting end date listed above.

To ensure your application is received, submit no later than 11:59pm MST the day prior to the posting end date.

Internal NAIT Employees

Current NAIT employees are welcome to apply for this opportunity. To be considered, please submit your application through the NAIT Jobs Hub rather than the external career site.

This is first‑level supervisory work overseeing service and/or food preparation staff. Positions are responsible for day‑to‑day on‑site activities at one or more food service venues. Work is performed in accordance with institute policies and established industry standards.

Please Note: This is a recurring full-time permanent position aligned with the academic calendar. The role is active during the academic year, with anticipated seasonal layoff periods in the summer months based on operational requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Use inventory, payment, food preparation, and presentation systems.

• Implement site‑specific procedures such as cleaning standards, food temperature controls, and portion‑control monitoring.

• Forecast and plan for customer volumes.

• Prepare draft staff schedules.

• Monitor day‑to‑day site operations.

• Coordinate workflow and staffing priorities during high-volume periods.

• Lead and support front-line staff in maintaining efficient and professional operations.

• Monitor customer service standards and assist with resolving operational or service concerns.

• Support onboarding, training, coaching, and day-to-day guidance of staff and student workers.

• Monitor food quality, product presentation, portion control, and operational consistency.

• Assist with inventory organization, stock rotation, merchandising, and waste reduction initiatives.

• Support operational readiness by ensuring service areas are stocked, organized, and customer ready.

• Communicate and collaborate with instructors, lab staff, leadership, and other internal stakeholders regarding operational needs and workflow coordination.

• Identify operational issues and escalate concerns in a timely and professional manner.

• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional work environment.

Skills & Abilities

• Good understanding of food service industry standards, including WHMIS and HACCP (Hazardous Analysis Critical Control Point), safety, and food sanitation.

• Good understanding of equipment and methods used in food preparation.

• Knowledge of customer service techniques and methods.

• Knowledge of scheduling tools and methods.

• Good understanding of payment methods and point-of-sale systems.

• Leadership skills, including communication, coaching, and conflict resolution.

• Strong organizational and time management abilities.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

• Experience with inventory management, product rotation, and operational coordination.

• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Completion of Grade 12.

• Post-secondary education, food and/or hospitality related.

• Relevant Customer Service and/or Food Service certificates are desirable.

• Minimum 3–5 years of progressive food service experience, including supervisory or team lead responsibilities.

• Experience working in a high-volume, institutional, production, hospitality, or post-secondary food service environment is preferred.

• Equivalencies may be considered.

Applicants with education credentials earned outside of Canada should have their credentials evaluated by World Education Services (WES), International Qualifications Assessment Service (IQAS) or the Comparative Education Services (CES).

Classification – Team Lead Food Services

This position is covered by the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees (AUPE) Collective Agreement.

Remuneration

Refer to salary range noted on this posting, plus a comprehensive benefits package.

NAIT is committed to a transparent, fair, and human-centered hiring experience. All candidates are assessed directly by our recruitment and hiring teams.

About NAIT

We are known as one of Alberta’s top employers. Being part of a community that makes a difference in the lives of students, staff, industry clients and partners, NAIT’s culture reflects our shared values of respect, collaboration, celebration, creativity, and accountability.

People are what make NAIT great, and we prioritize the employee experience. For eligible positions, we offer benefits and unique perks focusing on health and wellness, work-life balance, recognition, and professional and personal growth. In addition to excellent vacation time, eligible employees receive paid time off between Christmas and New Year’s.

NAIT supports a flexible work environment, enabling staff to request approval for on-campus, off-site, or hybrid work arrangements based on the nature of the role. Please note that remote positions require employees to reside within Canada.

NAIT is committed to fostering a safe environment that supports equity and cultivates inclusion through our Centre for Community and Belonging (CCB) and our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Strategy. We are a proud partner of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion. While we encourage all qualified applicants to apply, only those being considered will be contacted. If you require any accommodations, please connect with us at [email protected].

Please submit a resume and cover letter to be considered for this opportunity.