Head Chef

**Head Chef: Culinary Leadership & Menu Innovation**

**Location**: 125 W 2nd Ave, Qualicum Beach
**Schedule**: Wednesday to Saturday (full-time)

**Overview**

As our Head Chef, you will lead the kitchen with creativity, skill, and vision. You will oversee daily operations, manage and mentor the kitchen team, and ensure every dish meets the highest standards of taste, presentation, and consistency. Beyond execution, you will bring new ideas, seasonal inspirations, and menu innovations that reflect our commitment to quality dining. This is an opportunity to take ownership of a kitchen and shape a memorable dining experience for our guests.

**What You’ll Do**
- Oversee and direct all kitchen operations, including prep, cooking, plating, and service coordination
- Lead, train, and inspire the kitchen team to maintain consistency and excellence
- Develop and execute menus, seasonal specials, and creative new dishes
- Monitor food quality, portion control, and presentation standards
- Manage ordering, inventory, cost control, and minimize waste
- Ensure kitchen cleanliness, organization, and compliance with food safety and workplace health standards
- Collaborate with management to align kitchen goals with overall business objectives
- Support a positive, professional, and efficient kitchen culture

**What You Bring**
- Proven experience as a Head Chef, Kitchen Manager, or Senior Cook with leadership responsibilities
- Strong culinary skills with creativity in menu development and plating
- Knowledge of kitchen operations, food costing, and inventory management
- Excellent leadership and communication skills with a track record of training and mentoring staff
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail
- Food handler’s certification (required, or willingness to obtain immediately)
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays
- Physical ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs
- Passion for food, innovation, and delivering outstanding dining experiences

**Work Schedule**
- Full-time
- Mornings & weekends required

**Incentives & Perks**
- Staff discount on all food and beverage products
- Medical benefits
- Leadership role with creative input into menu development
- Opportunity to grow with a supportive, guest-focused team

**Why Join Us?**
- Be part of a beloved local café with a loyal guest community
- Express your creativity through cooking and menu input
- Work in a positive, professional, and team-focused environment

**How to Apply**

125 W 2nd Ave, Qualicum Beach

**Note**: This position is open only to applicants legally entitled to work in Canada.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: From $27.00 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Discounted or free food
- Extended health care
- On-site parking

Work Location: In person