Head Chef

Chef – Katherine's Château (Collingwood, ON)

About Us

Katherine's Château is a refined culinary and hospitality destination in Collingwood, Ontario — offering elegant dining, afternoon tea, a boutique champagne café, and a curated retail experience. We are passionate about artistry, excellence, and creating an unforgettable guest experience that blends sophistication with warmth.

We are seeking an experienced and creative Chef to lead our kitchen operations, design inspired menus, and uphold the high standards of cuisine and presentation that define Katherine's Château.

Position Overview

The Chef is responsible for overseeing all kitchen operations, including menu development, recipe creation, cost control, team leadership, and food quality. This role balances creativity with strong business and organizational acumen.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership & Menu Development

• Design and execute seasonal lunch, dinner, and afternoon tea menus aligned with the Château's concept.
• Create detailed recipes and plating specifications for all dishes to ensure consistency across shifts.
• Collaborate with ownership on tasting menus, special events, and private dining experiences.

Operations & Inventory Management

• Maintain accurate food inventory, ordering, and receiving procedures.
• Ensure all food meets standards for taste, presentation, and safety.
• Oversee kitchen cleanliness and compliance with all health and safety regulations.

Financial & Administrative Duties

• Manage food cost percentages and contribute to overall profitability.
• Create and manage kitchen schedules to balance labour efficiency with quality.
• Track and report kitchen financials, including cost of goods sold (COGS) and waste control.

Team & Culture

• Train, mentor, and support cooks and kitchen staff in execution and professionalism.
• Foster a positive, respectful, and motivated kitchen environment.
• Collaborate with front-of-house to ensure seamless guest experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in a Chef role within a high-end restaurant or boutique hospitality setting.
• Proven experience in menu design and recipe standardization.
• Strong understanding of food costing, inventory systems, and scheduling.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• Red Seal certification or culinary diploma preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• Opportunities for creative input and menu ownership.
• Staff meals, discounts, and participation in Château events.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $25.00-$30.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Company events
• Discounted or free food
• Flexible schedule
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• Store discount

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Collingwood, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience:

• Head Chef: 3 years (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• Red Seal (required)

Work Location: In person