Junior Executive Chef

Kitchen Manager & Creative Lead

Kinu by Sizzling Tandoor

Kinu by Sizzling Tandoor is an award-nominated globally inspired restaurant that focuses on creativity, craftsmanship, and genuine hospitality. We are seeking a Kitchen Manager & Creative Lead to help shape the next chapter of our culinary program.

This role is ideal for a chef who thrives equally in leadership and innovation—someone who can inspire a team, maintain operational excellence, and contribute to the continued evolution of our menu and guest experience.

Working directly with ownership, you will oversee kitchen operations while playing a meaningful role in recipe development, seasonal features, special events, and the long-term culinary vision of the restaurant.

Key ResponsibilitiesKitchen Leadership

• Lead and mentor the kitchen team while fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee daily kitchen operations, staffing, scheduling, and service execution.
• Maintain exceptional standards of food quality, consistency, cleanliness, and food safety.
• Monitor inventory, ordering, food cost, waste reduction, and labour efficiency.
• Develop systems that improve operational performance and support long-term growth.

Culinary Development

• Collaborate with ownership on seasonal menu development and new dish creation.
• Research culinary trends while remaining true to the restaurant's identity.
• Develop recipes, plating standards, and preparation procedures.
• Lead menu testing, staff tastings, and quality assurance.
• Contribute to catering menus, collaborations, chef dinners, festivals, and special events.

Team Development

• Recruit, coach, and develop kitchen staff.
• Create a positive and accountable workplace culture.
• Support ongoing training and professional development within the kitchen.

Qualifications

• Previous leadership experience in a professional kitchen.
• Strong understanding of food costing, inventory management, labour management, and kitchen operations.
• A passion for contemporary cuisine, creativity, and continuous learning.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• The ability to balance creativity with operational discipline and financial performance.

Compensation

We believe exceptional leadership should be rewarded through both competitive compensation and opportunities for growth.

Compensation includes

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Quarterly performance incentives tied to profitability, food cost management, operational excellence, menu development, and team performance.
• Annual compensation reviews based on contribution and business growth.

What We Offer

• Creative ownership with the opportunity to see your ideas become permanent menu features.
• Direct collaboration with ownership on the restaurant's culinary direction.
• Opportunities to participate in guest chef dinners, festivals, competitions, and industry collaborations.
• Professional development through workshops, tastings, supplier events, and culinary education.
• Staff meals and dining discounts.
• A clear pathway toward future Executive Chef and culinary leadership opportunities.

Why Join Kinu?

This is more than a kitchen management position. It is an opportunity to help define the culinary identity of one of Victoria's most exciting independent restaurants.

If you're passionate about leading people, creating exceptional food, and building something meaningful, we'd love to hear from you.

Pay: $50,000.00-$70,000.00 per year

Ability to commute/relocate

• Victoria, BC: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Experience

• professional kitchen: 3 years (required)

Work Location: In person