head chef

Head Chef

*Gladstone Brewing Co. ? Courtenay, BC* *Full-Time | Estimated Total Compensation: $73,000?$81,000/year*

Gladstone Brewing Co. is looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and help grow our food program.

This is a hands-on leadership role overseeing a kitchen team of approximately 8?12 people. You?ll lead prep and service, develop menus, train staff, and oversee food preparation for catered events and private functions. We?re looking for someone who can build strong systems, maintain high standards, and work alongside the team when the kitchen is busy.

The Role

• Lead, train and develop a kitchen team of approximately 8?12 employees
• Work the line and lead service during busy periods
• Plan prep, production and station readiness
• Maintain consistent food quality, portioning and presentation
• Develop, test, cost and document recipes
• Lead menu development and seasonal changes
• Manage food costs, inventory, ordering and supplier relationships
• Build schedules and manage kitchen labour
• Maintain food safety, sanitation and kitchen organization standards
• Recruit and onboard kitchen staff as needed
• Work with ownership and management on events, new food programs and operational improvements

Events & Catering

Gladstone hosts private events, catered parties and large functions throughout the year. The Head Chef leads the food side of these events, from menus and prep plans to staffing, timing and service. You should be comfortable organizing the kitchen for both regular restaurant service and larger events.

Who We?re Looking For

Ideally, you have:

• Several years of professional kitchen experience, including a leadership role
• Strong line-cooking skills and experience with busy, high-volume service
• Experience training and leading a kitchen team
• Experience with menu development, food costing, inventory and labour management
• Experience planning and executing banquets, catered events or large functions
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• The ability to stay calm and make decisions during busy service
• FOODSAFE certification or the ability to obtain it
• Availability for a mix of days, evenings and weekends

Experience with breakfast and brunch, scratch cooking, and high-volume casual dining is an asset.

Compensation & Benefits

*Estimated total compensation is approximately $73,000?$81,000 per year*, based on a 40-hour workweek. This consists of a *$27/hour base wage* plus approximately *$8?$12/hour in pooled gratuities*. Gratuities vary with sales, hours worked and business volume.

After six months, full-time employees are eligible for our *health and dental plan, with coverage available for a spouse and dependent children*, as well as our *pension plan*.

About Gladstone

Gladstone is an independent brewery and restaurant in downtown Courtenay. Our food program includes breakfast and brunch, lunch and dinner, a large patio, private events, catered functions and a busy calendar of community events.

We?re looking for a Head Chef who wants to take ownership of a busy kitchen, build a strong team, create great food and help us keep developing the program.

This is a *full-time, permanent position*, with a start date as soon as practical.

Please apply with a résumé and a short note about your kitchen leadership experience, your experience with high-volume service and events, and what you?re looking for in your next role.

Pay: $73,000.00-$81,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Dental care
• Discounted or free food
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off

Application question(s):

• Do you have a Red Seal?

Experience:

• Chef: 5 years (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• Food Safety Certification (preferred)

Work Location: In person