Head Chef

**Company Description**
- At Lavinia Bakery & Café, we strive to create more than just a place to grab a coffee or pastry. Our space is designed to provide a warm and welcoming pause that feels like home. Inspired by the flavours of our childhood and the joy of sharing food, we offer artisanal pastries, Peruvian-inspired desserts, specialty coffee, all-day brunch, and happy hour in a cozy and inviting environment. Our women-led business values intentionality in every detail._

**Role Description**

This is a full-time on-site role for a Head Chef / Head Baker. The position is based in Vancouver, BC. The Head Chef / Head Baker will be responsible for the daily execution of Lavinia’s all-day brunch and pastry menu, ensuring consistency, quality, and efficiency in every detail. You will lead a small but highly motivated team, balancing hands-on work with leadership, organization, and creativity.

You will work closely with our founders, Andrea and Antonella, and our culinary consultant to bring our recipes and systems to life.

As part of your training, you will travel to Lima, Peru for one month to connect with our roots and learn the inspiration behind Lavinia’s flavours.

**Main Responsibilities**
- **Kitchen Operations**_
- Ensure daily execution of recipes and presentation standards.
- Monitor kitchen flow from opening to closing to maintain order and efficiency.
- Coordinate and supervise daily production and prep.
- Implement and review checklists for production, storage, and quality control.
- Manage preparation and service timing, adjusting processes to meet demand.
- **Administrative and Leadership Tasks**_
- Manage inventory and supply orders based on stock and sales projections.
- Supervise proper product storage and rotation (FIFO).
- Work with management to adjust production levels as needed.
- Report equipment issues and ensure kitchen maintenance is up to date.
- Maintain accurate records of production, cleaning, and controls.
- **Cleanliness and Maintenance**_
- Oversee daily and deep cleaning schedules for the kitchen and storage areas.
- Ensure proper use, care, and maintenance of all tools and equipment.
- Report and follow up on any malfunctions promptly.
- **Operational Flexibility**_
- Be hands-on during peak hours or busy days.
- Support the team in prep, plating, or service when needed.
- Adapt to dynamic service demands with a positive and proactive attitude.
- **Creative Contribution and Continuous Improvement**_
- Collaborate in developing new dishes or seasonal specials.
- Evaluate and improve existing recipes and techniques.
- Stay updated with culinary trends to keep the menu fresh and relevant.
- Work with the founders to design and test new menu items that express Lavinia’s story.

**About You**
- You have at least five years of experience leading or co-leading a kitchen in a bakery, café, or restaurant setting.
- You are passionate about artisanal pastry, brunch, and high-quality ingredients.
- You are organized, calm under pressure, and driven by both precision and creativity.
- You lead by example, inspire teamwork, and value communication and respect in the kitchen.
- You care deeply about consistency, presentation, and flavour, and see food as both craft and storytelling.

**Why Join Lavinia**
- Lavinia is more than a bakery. It is a project built with care, purpose, and design at its core.
- We are building a place where people feel at home and where every dish tells a story.
- You will have the opportunity to shape the menu and kitchen culture from the ground up.
- A month of training in Lima, Peru with our culinary team.
- Competitive salary of **60,000 CAD** per year based on experience.
- Collaborative and design-driven environment.
- Early involvement in a new concept launching in 2026.
- **Location**:Vancouver, BC
- **Start Date**: January or February 2026
- If this sounds like you, we would love to meet you._

Pay: $58,000.00-$60,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Extended health care

Work Location: In person