Overview

Chez Wa, a new wine and sake bar, is seeking a Head Chef to lead our kitchen and shape a menu that pairs seamlessly with our wine and sake program. This is a ground-floor opportunity: you'll build culinary systems from scratch, set the tone for a recent kitchen team, and define the food identity of a bar guests will come back to again and again. If you want ownership over a menu and a kitchen culture from day one, this is that role.

Responsibilities
Lead and supervise the kitchen team, fostering a positive, disciplined, and collaborative environment as we establish Chez Wa's operations
Oversee food preparation and cooking to ensure dishes complement our wine and sake offerings and meet consistent quality standards
Manage food handling and hygiene practices in full compliance with food safety regulations
Develop a menu that pairs thoughtfully with wine and sake, reflects current culinary trends, and stays consistent as the bar scales
Coordinate with suppliers for fresh, quality ingredient sourcing and manage inventory efficiently, working closely with the operations team on costing and waste tracking
Train kitchen staff in prep techniques, food safety protocols, and service standards




Monitor kitchen operations during service to ensure smooth workflow and an excellent guest experience
Partner with the Assistant Operations Manager on kitchen systems — costing, waste, inventory, and standard operating procedures

Requirements
Proven kitchen leadership experience in a rapid-paced restaurant, bar, or hospitality setting
Strong food preparation and cooking skills, ideally with experience or interest in cuisine that pairs well with wine and sake
Experience managing kitchen operations end-to-end: team management, scheduling, and supplier coordination
Solid knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and hygiene regulations
Excellent leadership and communication skills to build and motivate a new team
Comfort working in a startup-style workplace, helping build systems and processes rather than just following established ones
Passion for pairing food with wine and sake, and curiosity about culinary trends in that space

Join Chez Wa as our Head Chef and help define what our kitchen becomes. This is a chance to build a culinary program and team culture from the ground up in a new, vibrant wine and sake bar. Pay: $60,000.00 per year

Benefits
Casual dress
Discounted or free food
Store discount

Work Location: In person

📌 Head Chef Toronto
🏢 Chez Wa
📍 Toronto