Responsibilities
- Oversees a kitchen shift, station, or area while managing a team of culinary experts
- Produces and serves food items from both a la carte and buffet menus following established recipes and quality standards
- Works with Executive Chef and Sous Chefs to assign tasks to Journeypersons, Cooks Assistants, and Stewards, maintaining high service and food quality
- Sets a standard for food quality, consistency, and quantity through personal example
- Models positive behavior and performance for the team
- Ensures adherence to food safety protocols and maintains kitchen cleanliness and organization
- Manages food costs by minimizing waste through FIFO rotation, proper ordering, storage, and preparation
- Controls labor costs by promoting focus and productivity among supervised cooks
- Demonstrates thorough knowledge of menus, recipes, presentations, and potential food allergens
- Conducts quality inspections on all food prepared under supervision to verify compliance with recipes and standards
- Trains other cooks in culinary operations
- Contributes to menu development and assists in creating and documenting recipes
- Coordinates with Banquets, Restaurants, and Stewarding departments for effective communication and smooth operations
- Assists Executive Chef or Sous Chefs in preparing performance reviews by providing input on colleague behavior and performance
- Performs additional duties as assigned
Requirements
- Minimum 6 years of recent experience in a luxury hotel or restaurant kitchen, with 3 years as a certified Journeyperson in a 1st cook or equivalent role
- Interprovincial Red Seal certification or international equivalent
- Current Food Safe Level 1 certificate or equivalent, with responsibility for maintaining certification
- Demonstrated high technical and artistic culinary skills via practical cooking test
- Demonstrated advanced culinary and food safety knowledge via written test
- Willingness and ability to taste all food products, including meats, seafood, produce, dry goods, and dairy
- Full fluency in English, both written and spoken
- Proven leadership in building relationships and supporting team performance
- Effective communication, teamwork, and delegation abilities
- Proven skill in training and developing coworkers
- Strong organizational skills and initiative to work with minimal supervision
- Sound decision-making and task prioritization
- High level of responsibility and accountability
- Commitment to excellent service and exceeding guest expectations
- Flexibility to work varied shifts, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and early or late hours
- Impeccable grooming and presentation
- Legal eligibility to work in Canada
Nice to Have
- High school diploma or equivalent is strongly preferred
- GHS/WHMIS training is advantageous
- Computer skills, including proficiency in Word, Excel, and email, are beneficial
Benefits
- Employee benefit card with discounts at properties worldwide and extra benefits for Fairmont and Raffles employees
- Exclusive discounts for employees and friends/family at Fairmont Empress Hotel
- Access to Pacific Northwest Food & Beverage Discount Program with 50% off at dining venues in Vancouver, Victoria, and Whistler
- Opportunities for career growth within the property and globally
- Complimentary meal during shifts via the Colleague Dining Program
- Free uniform laundering
- Comprehensive benefits and wellness programs, including extended healthcare, dental, vision, counseling, wellness sessions, and financial/family planning through LifeWorks
- Company-matched Defined Contribution Pension Plan (DCPP)
- Talent development through coaching and Leadership Mentoring Programs
Work Arrangement
On-site — Victoria, BC, Canada
Other
- Repetitive tasks
- Constant standing and walking during shifts
- Frequent lifting and carrying of items up to 50 lbs
- Ability to work in both hot and cold environments, such as hot lines, refrigerators, and freezers
- The hotel cannot assist with obtaining Canadian work authorization