Sous Chef

About Azhadi Vineyards

Azhadi Vineyards is more than a winery; it is a celebration of culture and craft. From our hand-tended vineyards to our architectural design, every detail is crafted to evoke peace, elegance and meaning. Since 2018, Azhadi Vineyards has been passionately planting and caring for its vineyards, producing and bottling excellent wine. Our destination winery building is nearing completion and scheduled to publicly launch early 2026 in Kelowna, BC. Azhadi Vineyards is a privately held company within the Azhadi Group, a group of companies which develops and operates wineries and vineyards throughout the Okanagan Valley, including the established Ex Nihilo Vineyards in Lake Country, BC.

We strive to deliver best-in-class, beautiful experiences to our people and our guests. Gratitude is at our core—whether it be the land, the opportunity, or the people who work with and visit us. We are building an environment where people come together, feel valued, and can grow in their respective career paths.

We bring together the best of Azhadi to effect positive change to life and work for everyone, optimize business performance results and by nurturing a trusted, respected, collaborative and accountable culture.

Position Summary

Azhadi Vineyards is seeking a skilled and motivated Sous Chef to support the culinary leadership team in delivering a refined and seasonal menu that complements our wine offerings. This hands-on role assists with daily kitchen operations, staff supervision, food preparation, and execution. The ideal candidate is passionate about fine dining, locally sourced ingredients, and thrives in a collaborative and fast-paced kitchen environment.

Key Responsibilities

Kitchen Operations & Culinary Execution

• Support the Chef de Cuisine in leading daily kitchen operations and maintaining high culinary standards.
• Oversee prep, line checks & execution, and plating to ensure consistency and presentation excellence.
• Maintain a strong presence on the line during service and assist with menu item preparation as needed.
• Ensure kitchen cleanliness, organization, and food safety protocols are upheld at all times.

Team Supervision & Leadership

• Train, supervise, and support line cooks and prep staff, reinforcing standards of quality and efficiency.
• Provide guidance during service to ensure timing and coordination across stations.
• Assist with scheduling, station assignments, and staff evaluations in collaboration with the Chef de Cuisine.
• Foster a respectful, team-oriented kitchen culture focused on growth and accountability.

Menu Support & Inventory

• Contribute to seasonal menu development and specials through tastings and idea sharing.
• Support inventory tracking, ordering, and cost control processes.
• Ensure proper storage and labeling of ingredients to minimize waste and maintain freshness.
• Report equipment issues and assist in routine kitchen maintenance as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a professional kitchen, with at least 1 year in a leadership role.
• Strong understanding of fine dining operations, plating techniques, and food safety standards.
• Proven ability to lead a kitchen team during service and under pressure.
• Creative, detail-oriented, and passionate about local and seasonal cuisine.
• Food Safe certification required; Red Seal or equivalent culinary certification preferred.
• Flexible availability including evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events.
• Legally permitted to work in Canada.

Compensation:

The typical hiring range for this position is $55,000-$65,000 annually, the salary rate offered is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experiences, and internal equity. Extended benefits will be available.

Why work for Azhadi?

Our core values are at the heart of our people and company objectives.

OUR GUIDING BEHAVIOUR - Radical Truth & Transparency

• We Respect People
• We Communicate Openly
• We are Team Players
• We are Accountable
• We are Trustworthy

We celebrate our wins and each other. We are committed to fostering a rich learning environment and creating a fun and collaborative place to be Joining Azhadi Vineyards means becoming part of a new era of wine in the Okanagan, the launch of a destination winery with world class wines and a passionate team dedicated to operational excellence and guest experiences.

In addition to a competitive compensation structure, we offer:

• Wine & food discounts
• Merchandise discounts
• We invest in you and our team
• Growing within a culture that values initiative and curiosity