Executive Chef

Executive Chef

Sooke Harbour House | Sooke, British Columbia

Full-Time | Permanent

Nestled on the rugged coastline of Vancouver Island, Sooke Harbour House is one of Canada’s most iconic culinary destinations. As we continue our revitalization journey, we are seeking an experienced and visionary Executive Chef to lead the next chapter of our culinary program.

This is an opportunity to shape a destination dining experience rooted in Vancouver Island’s abundance, celebrating local farmers, fishers, foragers, and producers while delivering exceptional guest experiences for hotel guests, weddings, retreats, special events, and our acclaimed dining room.

Position Summary

Reporting directly to the General Manager, the Executive Chef will provide strategic and operational leadership for all culinary operations throughout Sooke Harbour House, including:

• Main Dining Room
• Garden Café
• Private Dining & Wine Cellar Experiences
• Banquets & Weddings
• Corporate Retreats
• In-Room Dining
• Seasonal Culinary Events & Collaborations

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing a culinary identity that reinforces Sooke Harbour House as a premier culinary destination on Vancouver Island while maintaining strong financial performance, operational excellence, and team development.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership

• Develop and execute seasonal menus showcasing Vancouver Island and British Columbia ingredients.
• Build relationships with local farms, fishers, foragers, wineries, breweries, and artisan producers.
• Lead menu innovation, recipe development, tastings, and culinary programming.
• Maintain exceptional standards of food quality, consistency, presentation, and creativity.
• Create unique dining experiences that support destination tourism and guest engagement.

Operations & Financial Management

• Oversee all kitchen operations and culinary production.
• Manage food cost, labour cost, inventory controls, purchasing, and waste reduction initiatives.
• Develop and monitor kitchen budgets and financial targets.
• Implement systems that drive efficiency while maintaining quality standards.
• Collaborate with Food & Beverage leadership on pricing strategies and profitability initiatives.

Team Development

• Recruit, mentor, coach, and develop culinary team members.
• Foster a culture of accountability, creativity, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct performance reviews, succession planning, and training programs.
• Support apprenticeship and Red Seal development opportunities within the culinary team.

Events & Guest Experience

• Lead culinary execution for weddings, retreats, and special events.
• Collaborate with Sales and Operations teams to deliver exceptional group experiences.
• Participate in media opportunities, chef collaborations, community events, and culinary showcases.

Health & Safety

• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, WorkSafeBC, and health regulations.
• Maintain HACCP-based systems and best practices.
• Promote a safe and positive working environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years senior culinary leadership experience as Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef.
• Experience in luxury hotels, boutique resorts, destination restaurants, or fine dining environments.
• Proven success leading multiple culinary outlets and banquet operations.
• Strong knowledge of food cost management, labour planning, and inventory controls.
• Passion for local, sustainable, and seasonal cuisine.
• Red Seal Certification preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Experience with menu engineering, culinary programming, and team development.

What Success Looks Like

Within the first 12 months, the Executive Chef will

• Re-establish Sooke Harbour House as a recognized culinary destination on Vancouver Island.
• Build strong partnerships with local producers and suppliers.
• Launch seasonal menus highlighting regional ingredients and coastal cuisine.
• Improve culinary profitability through disciplined cost controls.
• Develop a high-performing culinary team focused on excellence and guest satisfaction.
• Enhance wedding, retreat, and event culinary offerings.
• Support positive online guest reviews and culinary reputation growth.

Why Sooke Harbour House?

This is a rare opportunity to lead the culinary vision of one of Canada’s most storied hospitality properties during an exciting period of renewal and growth.

If you are passionate about coastal cuisine, local ingredients, culinary innovation, and building a lasting legacy, we invite you to join our team.

Compensation

Competitive salary based on experience

Benefits

• Extended Health & Dental
• Employee Discounts
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Relocation Assistance Available
• Opportunity to shape and lead an iconic culinary destination

Sooke Harbour House is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates