Lead Cook

AQUATOPIA LEAD COOK

Nestled on 9.5 wooded hectares in the west end of Ottawa, Aquatopia Conservatory is a gorgeous award-winning wedding & events facility ranked by Wedding Bells magazine as one of Canada's Top Ten Loveliest Venues, and the location for the Season 2 Finale for the internationally syndicated CTV reality TV series 'Where To I Do?', hosted by Canadian Designer Tommy Smythe.

Aquatopia's unique contemporary architectural design, lush foliage, and aquatic features, create a year round indoor working ecosystem with a positive sense of place that make Aquatopia the ideal venue for weddings, private culinary events, parties, and celebrations.

Our team is a vibrant, diverse yet cohesive group who support, engage with one another, and thoroughly enjoy working together.

Role Summary:

We are seeking an exceptionally skilled Red Seal Cook with a minimum of 10 years of professional culinary experience to join our dynamic and creative culinary team. This role is ideal for a seasoned professional who thrives in high standards, loves fine dining, and is equally excited by playful, imaginative, and out-of-the-box culinary concepts.

Our kitchen supports a wide range of curated experiences including high tea services, wellness and yoga events, weddings, corporate functions, and bespoke private events. The successful candidate will bring both technical excellence and creative curiosity to every plate. If you are a highly experienced Red Seal Cook who loves both elevated fine dining and imaginative culinary expression, we would love to hear from you.

Roles and Responsibilities:

· Ensure food quality and consistency standards are met, cleanliness of food service facilities is maintained, and administrative systems are accurate and complete.

· Maintain an impeccably clean kitchen, and food storage areas; ensure all repairs and scheduled maintenance of kitchen & food service equipment are reported to the Head Chef on a timely basis; work closely with the Head Chef, other kitchen staff, and Public Health Inspectors to ensure safety standards are met.

· Deliver unique decorative plating options & food displays that delight and entertain our clients to set Aquatopia apart from other venues in the wedding & events industry.

· Assist with any in-house or off-premises special projects related to food and beverage services. Be sure to recognize and meet all deadlines and expectations of assignments.

· Lead by example and through personal growth to maintain a positive & professional workplace culture and actively encourage a positive environment for continuous improvement.

· Assist the Head Chef to train and onboard new kitchen staff when required, to fulfill the food & beverage service needs of every Aquatopia hosted event.

· Mentor and support junior kitchen staff when required.

· Collaborate with the Head Chef on menu development across fine dining and creative event concepts.

· Maintain exceptional standards of food presentation, flavour, and technique.

· Adapt to menus and service styles for diverse events (high tea, weddings, corporate, wellness events, etc.).

· Work collaboratively with culinary and events teams to deliver seamless guest experiences.

· Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.

· Perform well in a fast-paced, detail-oriented, and event-driven environment.

Skills/Competencies Qualifications:

· Valid Red Seal Cook certification.

· Confident in a leadership capacity with the ability to act calmly during adverse and unexpected circumstances.

· Effective at problem solving and decision-making with good insight and judgment.

· High energy, positive, professional attitude, pride in work.

· Must possess G2 driver's licence.

· Applicant must currently reside in Canada as a landed immigrant or a Canadian citizen.

· Minimum of 10 years of professional cooking experience.

· Strong fine dining background with advanced culinary techniques.

· Demonstrated creativity and willingness to push boundaries with food and presentation.

· Ability to work nights, weekends, and event-based schedules.

· Experience with catered events, plated service, and customized menus.

· Excellent organizational, time-management, and multitasking skills.

· Passion for food, innovation, and continuous learning.

· Deep appreciation for refined cuisine and playful, modern interpretations.

· Curious, creative, and confident experimenting with ingredients and techniques.

· Strong attention to detail and pride in craftsmanship.

· Team-oriented with a positive, solutions-focused mindset.

· Excited to work on diverse and exciting culinary events.

· A professional, respectful, and inspiring kitchen culture.

· Applicant must currently reside in Canada as a landed immigrant or a Canadian citizen.

Application:

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: $25.00 – $30.00 per hour (Based on skill and experience)

Employment Period: Full-Time/Permanent Year-Round

Please send resume to:

Maighan Giles

Aquatopia Conservatory

2710 March Road

Ottawa, ON K0A 1L0

Tel: ext 227

Email:

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $25.00-$30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 25 – 44 per week

Benefits:

• On-site parking

Work Location: In person