Private Chef

Westerkirk Capital Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and encourages women, Aboriginal people, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities to apply. Westerkirk Capital Inc. will accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities throughout all stages of the selection process. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise your Human Resources representative. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

Private Chef

The Private Chef is responsible for menu planning, daily food preparation, catering for dinner parties and family events as well as overall kitchen cleaning and maintenance, inventory management and provisioning of supplies at the properties. A key component of this role is navigating and working with various dietary restrictions and preferences.

Reports To: Principal

Location: Victoria, BC

Compensation: $70,000 – $80,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

OVERVIEW

This is a full-time live out position. The normal work schedule will be 40 hours per week; however, the successful candidate must be flexible with the willingness to work evenings, weekends and holidays. In addition, while most of the time will be spent supporting the Principals and associated family located in Victoria, B.C., additional travel to alternate properties may be required.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepares fresh meals daily for the family with consideration of frequently changing dietary restrictions and food allergies (Gluten, Keto, Low Histamine, Anti-Inflammatory (Autoimmune), Organic & Preservative/Chemical Free) as well as preferences (young children).
• Plans menus for the family's daily meals, dinner parties and events with thoughtfulness and creativity as well as the ability to modify, quickly to accommodate sudden shifts in requirements (change in guests, additional restrictions, etc.).
• Coordinates and procures fresh produce from the family farm and gardeners as necessary.
• Prepares appetizers and snacks for family meetings and events.
• Performs end to end catering for flights as needed.
• Prepares quick meals or pre-made dishes during time off periods.
• Prepares healthy snacks, different types of sauces and salad dressings with consideration (as per above) of dietary restrictions and food allergies.
• Prepares meals for extended family, as necessary.
• Continually researches alternatives to meet dietary restrictions and preferences as well as new and alternate sources of organic, pasture raised and fresh foods.
• Serves tea and other beverages, as requested on a regular basis throughout the day.
• Understands the family's taste and preferences and includes the suggested feedback in meal preparations.
• Assisting additional family members in cooking when required.
• Manages table settings to ensure the tables are set in alignment with the Principals standards.
• Clears and cleans dishes after meals; including, loading/unloading dishwashers, washing dishes, cleaning countertops and tables as well as sweeping floors for all kitchen areas across multiple residences.
• Monitors and manages all kitchen equipment's including sharpening of knives.
• Conducts weekly checks of food items stored in fridges, freezers and pantries.
• Organizes food items in fridges, freezers and pantries.
• Creates food & beverage inventory lists.
• Monitors inventories, stocking and maintaining food & beverage as required.
• Monitors and stocks all canning inventories needed for the canning season.
• Assists with regular grocery shopping and other personal household errands, as and when required.
• Coordinates with household staff of upcoming events, guest arrivals and family's schedule.
• Coordinates with the dietary specialists as needed.
• Sets up food & beverage items in guest suites as required.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• A trained cook with a minimum of 5 years work experience in a private home environment.
• Knowledge of and ability to ensure food restrictions/allergies/preferences are adhered to; including but not limited to:
• Gluten free
• Dairy free
• Keto and low carb
• Low histamine
• Anti-inflammatory (autoimmune focused)
• Organic, preservative, and chemical free
• Cooking for young children
• Interesting and tasteful substitutions
• A Serving It Right, Food Safe, Silver Service or Sommelier certification is considered an asset.
• A valid class 5 driver's license and clean drivers abstract and operational vehicle are required.
• Demonstrated ability in culinary skills, proficient in menu planning and food preparation.
• Comfortable assisting in the kitchen and able to prepare informal meals as needed.
• Strong service skills and ability to set the table and serve both formal and informal meals.
• Service-oriented, pro-active, self-starter with good attention to detail.
• Strong ability to multi-task with excellent time-management and organizational skills.
• Ability to handle last-minute changes with grace and humour.
• Flexibility required with schedule for evenings, weekends, holidays, and additional hours on an as requested basis.
• Excellent interpersonal as well as written and verbal English communication skills.
• Ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality at all times, exercise diplomacy, discretion and respect of boundaries.
• Must be comfortable and enjoy working with pets and children.
• Must be legally required to work in Canada and able to travel as needed.
• Strong computer skills in MS Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.