About this role
*Kitchen Manager / Head Chef*
*Fernie Taphouse | Fernie, BC*
Fernie Taphouse is looking for an experienced *Kitchen Manager / Head Chef who leads from the front.*
We are one of Fernie?s busiest pubs and restaurants. Après-ski, summer patios, weekends and game nights can mean a full house and a kitchen operating at full speed. We need someone who enjoys that environment and knows how to lead a team through it.
*This is a hands-on leadership position ? not an office-based kitchen management role.*
When we're busy, our Kitchen Manager is present, engaged and actively supporting the team. That may mean running the pass, stepping onto a station, helping with prep, solving a staffing problem or doing whatever is needed to deliver a successful service.
At the same time, you'll own the bigger picture: developing your people, maintaining standards, controlling costs and building a strong, stable kitchen operation.
*What We're Looking For*
Culinary experience matters, but *leadership ability is our priority.*
We want someone who can build a team, earn its respect and get people working together.
You'll be someone who:
* Leads by example and isn't afraid to roll up your sleeves. * Is visible and actively involved during busy services. * Communicates clearly and respectfully. * Teaches, trains and develops employees with different levels of experience. * Sets clear expectations and holds people accountable. * Recognizes and encourages good performance. * Addresses performance problems promptly and professionally. * Remains organized and composed under pressure. * Takes ownership of problems and works proactively to solve them. * Creates a positive workplace where good employees want to stay. * Brings patience and a genuine interest in teaching ? helping employees understand not only how a task is done, but why it is done that way.
*We aren't looking for someone who simply tells people what to do. We're looking for someone who can get people to want to do a great job.*
*The Role*
As Kitchen Manager / Head Chef, you'll have overall responsibility for the day-to-day performance of the Fernie Taphouse kitchen, including:
*Leadership & Service*
* Lead a busy, high-volume pub kitchen. * Work regular scheduled Head Cook/leadership shifts. * Maintain a strong presence during peak services. * Ensure consistent food quality, presentation, portions and ticket times. * Ensure the kitchen is organized, properly prepped and ready for service. * Work collaboratively with front-of-house management. * Structure your schedule around the needs of a seasonal, high-volume restaurant, including evenings, weekends and peak periods.
*People & Culture*
* Recruit and onboard kitchen employees. * Train, coach and develop cooks and support staff, including mentoring employees pursuing apprenticeship and Red Seal certification. * Build engagement, teamwork and pride in the kitchen. * Develop employees with the potential to take on greater responsibility. * Address performance and disciplinary issues fairly and professionally. * Build a stable team by creating an environment where good employees want to stay.
*Kitchen Management*
* Maintain a focused menu of consistently great pub food. * Maintain standardized recipes, portions and food costs. * Manage ordering, inventory, food cost and waste. * Monitor labour costs and staffing levels. * Schedule kitchen employees using 7shifts. * Manage food costing and inventory using MarketMan. * Maintain high FoodSafe, cleaning, sanitation and workplace safety standards. * Proactively identify equipment and maintenance requirements.
*Experience*
We are interested in *demonstrated ability, not simply years on a résumé.*
Ideally, you have:
* Experience in a busy, high-volume restaurant kitchen. * Previous kitchen leadership or supervisory experience. * Strong practical cooking and line skills. * Experience training and developing employees. * Experience with scheduling, inventory, food costing and labour man