Guest Group Manager & Lead Cook
Organization: Bayside Camp and Retreat Centre www.baysidecamp.org
Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia
Position Type: Full-Time, Year-Round
Reports To: Executive Director
Role Overview
We are seeking a unique, hospitality-driven leader to serve as our Guest Group Manager and Lead Cook. This role is the heartbeat of our year round retreat ministry. You will be the primary point of contact for guest groups (churches, schools, and non-profits) from the initial booking through their departure, while also overseeing the culinary experience that sustains them.
The ideal candidate possesses a “servant’s heart,” combining professional administrative organization with the ability to lead a kitchen that produces high-quality meals for groups ranging from 20 to 200.
Bayside is a summer camp and year round retreat centre, we run 7-8 weeks of summer camps through July and August. September- November and February to May we run primarily weekend groups with a few mid week groups in September and November. May and June are weekend groups combined with School programs mid week.
Key Responsibilities
1. Kitchen Leadership
- Meal Planning: Design nutritious, cost-effective, and appealing menus for diverse age groups (youth camps to adult retreats).
- Food Preparation: Lead the hands-on preparation and service of all meals, ensuring high standards of taste, presentation, and timeliness.
- Dietary Management: Safely manage food allergies and specialized dietary requirements (GF, Dairy-Free, etc.).
- Kitchen Operations: Oversee food ordering, inventory management, and budget tracking. Maintain health and safety standards.
2. Guest Services & Retreat Management
- Hosting: Act as the primary on-site host, welcoming groups, conducting orientations, and ensuring facility needs are met during their stay.
- Administration: Manage the booking calendar, rental contracts, and billing/invoicing for guest groups.
- Communication: Coordinate with group leaders regarding dietary needs, meeting room setups, and activity schedules prior to arrival.
3. Team Leadership & Ministry
- Staffing: Recruit, train, and supervise seasonal kitchen staff and volunteers.
- Spiritual Environment: Maintain a prayerful, Christ-centered atmosphere in the kitchen and dining hall, viewing hospitality as a form of ministry.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Spiritual Alignment: A committed follower of Jesus Christ with a desire to serve in a camp ministry setting and agreement with our Statement of Faith.
- Experience: Experience in kitchen leadership; experience in hospitality management or camp administration is a significant asset.
- Certifications: Current Food Handlers Certification (or willingness to obtain) and a clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Search.
- Skills: Strong interpersonal skills and a hospitality mindset.
- Proficiency in basic office software (Excel, Email, Booking Systems).
- Ability to stand for long periods and lift up to 40 lbs.
- Flexibility: Ability to work a non-traditional schedule, including weekends and some evenings, based on group bookings.
Benefits & Compensation
- Salary: $40,000- $46,000 based on experience.
- Housing: Potential for onsite housing.
- Meals: Provided while on duty and groups are in session.
- Community: The opportunity to live and work in a beautiful retreat setting with a mission-driven team.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter sharing your journey of faith and why you are interested in camp ministry to joshua@baysidecamp.org.
