Catering Captain | Front of House | Whistler Cooks Catering | Whistler BC | 2026

At Whistler Cooks, “We love feeding people” isn’t just a tagline — it’s the principle that drives everything we do. It’s the essential ingredient behind every service model we deliver, wherever and whenever we serve. On any given day, our team may be executing a refined plated wedding reception through our Catering division, slow-smoking a feast at Hunter Gather, passing canapés in a world-class gallery, delivering chef-driven, ingredient-forward dining at Mile One, fuelling the community’s daily ritual at Cranked, serving the campus community at Routes Eatery at Capilano University Squamish, or providing elevated clubhouse dining at Fescues at Big Sky Golf Course in Pemberton.

Across every concept — from destination catering to casual dining — our focus remains consistent: execution rooted in experience, strong culinary leadership, and genuine hospitality that reflects the character of the Sea to Sky corridor.

Join our team and LIVE | WORK | LEARN in Whistler.

Start Date: Immediately

Pay: $25 / hour plus tips (expected hourly earnings $30-$33)

Term: Full Time

In this role:

The Catering Captain is a hands-on event leadership role responsible for helping deliver exceptional off-site catering experiences throughout Whistler and the Sea to Sky corridor.

Working alongside the Event Manager and culinary team, the Catering Captain takes responsibility for the front-of-house execution of assigned events, including event preparation, venue setup, staff direction, guest service, food and beverage service, and event breakdown.

This is not a desk-based supervisory position. Catering Captains actively participate in service while leading the team around them. You may be overseeing a plated wedding dinner one evening, managing a buffet for several hundred guests the next, or leading a team through canapé and beverage service at a private event.

Success in this position requires strong organization, calm leadership, attention to detail and the ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced off-site catering environment.

Specific Tasks Include

Event Preparation & Logistics

• Review event details, timelines, menus, floor plans and service requirements prior to each event.
• Work with the Event Manager and catering team to ensure equipment, beverages and service supplies are prepared for each event.
• Assist with packing, loading and transportation of equipment and supplies to off-site venues.
• Ensure required equipment and supplies arrive at the venue and are organized for efficient service.
• Identify missing equipment, supplies or operational requirements and work quickly to resolve issues.
• Assist with unloading, setup, breakdown and reloading of catering vehicles.
• Complete vehicle and mileage documentation when operating Whistler Cooks vehicles.

Event Setup

• Lead and participate in the setup of off-site events according to event plans and established Whistler Cooks standards.
• Set up dining rooms, buffets, bars, service stations, beverage stations and other front-of-house event areas.
• Ensure tables, service equipment, glassware, flatware and other event elements are correctly positioned and presented.
• Coordinate with the culinary team to ensure food service areas are ready for service.
• Conduct final checks of guest-facing areas before guests arrive.
• Ensure the venue is clean, organized and ready for service on schedule.

Team Leadership

• Lead front-of-house catering staff during assigned events.
• Conduct pre-service briefings covering the event timeline, menu, service style, staff assignments and guest requirements.
• Assign staff to sections, stations and specific responsibilities.
• Ensure team members understand the event timeline and expectations before service begins.
• Train and coach new and existing staff in Whistler Cooks' steps of service and catering standards.
• Monitor staff performance throughout the event and provide direction where required.
• Adjust staff assignments and service plans as event requirements change.
• Maintain a positive, professional and organized working environment during high-pressure services.

Food & Beverage Service

• Lead by example by actively participating in event service.
• Coordinate the timing and execution of plated, buffet, family-style, canapé and reception services.
• Work closely with the culinary team to coordinate service timing and communication between front and back of house.
• Ensure food is presented and served according to Whistler Cooks standards.
• Monitor buffets and service stations to ensure they remain clean, organized and appropriately stocked.
• Support beverage and bar service where required.
• Ensure responsible alcohol service and compliance with Serving It Right requirements.
• Ensure food safety and safe food-handling procedures are followed throughout the event.
• Maintain awareness of allergies, dietary restrictions and special guest requirements communicated through the event plan.

Guest Experience

• Provide warm, professional and attentive service throughout every event.
• Act as a point of contact for guests during service.
• Anticipate guest and service requirements and respond proactively.
• Address guest questions, requests and concerns professionally.
• Resolve service issues wherever possible and escalate significant concerns to the Event Manager when required.
• Ensure the overall guest experience reflects Whistler Cooks' standards of genuine hospitality.

Event Breakdown & Close

• Lead and participate in the breakdown of events following service.
• Ensure rental equipment, Whistler Cooks equipment and service supplies are properly sorted, packed and accounted for.
• Ensure food, beverage and service areas are left clean and organized.
• Coordinate loading of vehicles and transportation of equipment back to the Whistler Cooks warehouse.
• Ensure equipment is returned to its correct location following events.
• Report damaged, missing or maintenance-required equipment.
• Communicate relevant event feedback, guest concerns or operational issues to the Event Manager.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Previous experience in catering, banquets, restaurants, hospitality or event service.
• Previous supervisory, captain or team-lead experience is preferred.
• Strong understanding of front-of-house service and guest experience.
• Ability to lead a team while actively participating in service.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to remain calm and make practical decisions in a fast-paced event environment.
• Comfortable working at a variety of off-site venues and outdoor event locations.
• Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends and holidays based on the event schedule.
• Valid BC driver's license and comfortable driving company vehicles in all conditions.
• Ability to regularly lift and carry equipment weighing 35 lbs or more.
• Serving It Right certification, or ability to obtain it.
• FoodSafe certification is an asset.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a larger catering team.
• Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

At Whistler Cooks, we believe in the power of diversity and inclusion to foster a welcoming workplace culture, learning, and success. We welcome individuals from all walks of life, backgrounds, and experiences to join our dynamic team.