About Company
Waterfront Wines Restaurant & Bar is a cornerstone of Kelowna’s vibrant culinary scene, renowned for its unwavering commitment to exceptional regional cuisine and an unparalleled dining experience. For over two decades, we’ve proudly celebrated the bounty of the Okanagan Valley, meticulously crafting seasonal menus that showcase the freshest local ingredients, expertly paired with an extensive and curated selection of British Columbia’s finest wines. Our award-winning establishment prides itself on culinary innovation, a warm and inviting atmosphere, and a dedicated team passionate about delivering memorable moments to every guest. We believe in fostering a kitchen environment where creativity is encouraged, quality is paramount, and teamwork is the essential ingredient to our continued success. Join us and become part of a legacy that defines culinary excellence in the heart of wine country.
Job Description
Waterfront Wines Restaurant & Bar is actively seeking a talented, passionate, and experienced Lead Cook to join our esteemed culinary team. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled professional eager to take the next pivotal step in their career, contributing significantly to the creation of innovative and high-quality dishes in a dynamic, fast-paced, and upscale dining environment. As a Lead Cook, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the seamless and efficient operation of our kitchen, working closely alongside the Head Chef and Sous Chef to uphold our rigorous standards of food preparation, meticulous presentation, and impeccable kitchen hygiene. You will be responsible for overseeing specific stations, providing guidance and mentorship to junior cooks, and maintaining consistent product quality and taste during all service periods. This demanding yet rewarding position requires a strong understanding of a diverse range of cooking techniques, an acute eye for detail, and the ability to thrive gracefully under pressure while simultaneously inspiring and motivating those around you. If you possess a genuine passion for culinary arts, a profound commitment to utilizing local, seasonal ingredients, and aspire to work in a collaborative, supportive, and rewarding professional setting, we warmly invite you to become an integral part of the Waterfront Wines legacy.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute all food preparation and cooking tasks to the highest culinary standards, strictly adhering to established recipes, portion controls, and presentation guidelines.
- Oversee and manage a designated kitchen station during service, ensuring efficiency, consistent quality, and timely delivery of dishes to guests.
- Mentor and provide guidance to junior kitchen staff, fostering a positive, collaborative, and highly productive team environment.
- Assist with comprehensive inventory management, meticulous stock rotation, and accurate order placement to minimize waste and ensure continuous ingredient availability.
- Maintain impeccable cleanliness and organization of the kitchen, individual workstations, and all equipment in strict accordance with provincial health and safety regulations.
- Collaborate actively with the Head Chef and Sous Chef on exciting menu development initiatives and the creation of innovative special feature dishes.
- Monitor and ensure the highest standards of food quality, freshness, and artistic presentation, guaranteeing every dish meets Waterfront Wines' exacting standards.
Required Skills
- Proven experience (minimum 3 years) as a Cook or Line Cook in a reputable, fast-paced restaurant or fine dining establishment.
- Extensive knowledge of various cooking methods, culinary techniques, ingredients, kitchen equipment, and standard procedures.
- Demonstrated ability to work efficiently and calmly under pressure in a high-volume kitchen environment.
- Strong understanding and practical application of food safety, sanitation, and hygiene best practices (e.g., HACCP principles).
- Excellent communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively guide and motivate a culinary team.
- Exceptional attention to detail and an unwavering commitment to culinary excellence and consistent quality.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by the demands of the restaurant industry.
Preferred Qualifications
- Culinary diploma or degree from a recognized culinary institution.
- Previous experience with Okanagan regional cuisine and a strong passion for local ingredient sourcing.
- Valid Food Safe Level 1 certification.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive wages commensurate with experience and opportunities for professional growth within a renowned establishment.
- A supportive, creative, and respectful work environment that highly values innovation, collaboration, and teamwork.
- Generous staff discounts on dining and beverages at Waterfront Wines Restaurant & Bar.
- Unique opportunity to work directly with fresh, high-quality local ingredients and an award-winning selection of B.C. wines.
- Access to continuous learning and development opportunities in advanced culinary arts and techniques.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit their comprehensive resume and a compelling cover letter, detailing their relevant experience, culinary philosophy, and passion for exceptional food. Please click on the link below to apply for the job.