Situated in the heart of Lake Country, BC, Peak Cellars Garden Bistro offers an exceptional culinary experience paired with award winning wines from our estate. Located amidst the stunning landscape of the Okanagan Valley, our bistro provides guests with breathtaking views and a warm, inviting atmosphere. We pride ourselves on using fresh, organic produce from our half acre on site culinary garden, two greenhouses and berry patch.

As we continue to enhance the experience at Peak Cellars, we are looking for a Chef de Cuisine to lead our kitchen team. This is a unique opportunity to create innovative, high-quality dishes that highlight the best of the Okanagan’s bounty while working alongside passionate culinary professionals and the winery team.

Role type:  Full-time, permanent, salaried

Location: Lake Country, BC

Reports To: Executive Chef

Position Summary

The Chef de Cuisine will be responsible for overseeing all kitchen operations at Peak Cellars Garden Bistro, including menu creation, food preparation, and kitchen staff management. This is a leadership role that requires both culinary creativity and excellent management skills. The ideal candidate will be passionate about showcasing the local flavors of the Okanagan through seasonal menus, while also upholding the highest standards of quality and consistency.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leadership & Team Management:
• Lead and inspire a team of cooks, sous chefs, and kitchen staff to ensure efficient kitchen operations.
• Provide mentorship and training to staff, helping to develop their skills and foster a collaborative work environment.
• Uphold a positive and professional atmosphere in the kitchen while ensuring the team works together to meet operational goals.
• Menu Development & Culinary Creativity:
• Design and execute seasonal menus and features that reflect the best of local, sustainable ingredients and highlight the Okanagan’s food and wine culture.
• Collaborate with the executive chef and winery team to create perfect wine pairings and offer an exceptional dining experience.
• Utilize and showcase our garden produce, while maintaining consistency and high-quality standards.
• Kitchen Operations & Food Safety:
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring all dishes are prepared to the highest standards and plated beautifully.
• Manage inventory, order supplies, and ensure kitchen stock levels are maintained to minimize waste.
• Ensure all food safety protocols and best practices are followed, including maintaining cleanliness and organization in the kitchen at all times.
• Collaboration & Guest Experience:
• Work closely with the executive chef and winery team to support special events, private dinners, wine tastings, and seasonal menus that pair perfectly with Peak Cellars’ wines.
• Engage with staff and guests when appropriate to gather feedback and ensure they are having an exceptional dining experience.
• Financial Management:
• Assist with budgeting and managing kitchen expenses, including food costs and labor.
• Monitor kitchen performance and implement strategies to optimize profitability without sacrificing quality.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education & Experience:
• Culinary Arts Diploma or equivalent experience in a professional kitchen.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a leadership role in restaurant foodservice.
• Proven ability to create and execute innovative menus with a focus on local ingredients and wine pairings.
• Skills:
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and guide a culinary team.
• Expertise in contemporary cooking techniques, menu design, and food presentation.
• Experience with inventory control, cost management, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and safety.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work well with both kitchen and front-of-house teams.
• A deep passion for food, wine, and the Okanagan region is a significant asset.
• Personal Qualities:
• Creative, organized, and detail-oriented.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• A genuine passion for creating memorable culinary experiences and contributing to the success of a thriving winery restaurant.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

• Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.

• Compensation: $58-76k annual salary plus gratuities
• Staff meals

• Professional development opportunities.
• Access to fresh, local ingredients and the opportunity to work closely with our garden and winery team for curated food and wine pairings.

• On-site parking
• Employee Perks & Benefits program (discounts on food, wine, merch)
• Eligible to join the Hour-Bank Employee Health and Benefit program for Full-time employees (minimum 30 hours / week worked required)
• Accommodation may be available for the right candidate

HOW TO APPLY

Please email resume and cover letter to Executive Chef, Jeremy Tucker

Jeremy.tucker@peakcellars.com

Visa Requirements:
To be eligible for employment at Peak Cellars, you must hold a valid working visa for Canada. We do not provide offer letters to applicants seeking a work visa. Applicants must have their work visa in place before applying.

O'Rourke Family Vineyards adheres to employment equity and equal opportunity programs and encourages all candidates to apply. We would like to thank all applicants for submitting their resume; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.