Job Posting: Head Chef / Kitchen Manager — Swans Pub

Location: 1601 Store Street, Victoria, BC

About Swans

Swans Pub has been part of Victoria's hospitality landscape since 1989. Located in a historic 1913 building in the heart of downtown Victoria, Swans is a locally owned and operated pub built around great food, genuine hospitality and a strong connection to our community.

We're a busy, high-volume operation serving both locals and visitors throughout the year. Alongside our day-to-day pub business, events and group dining are an important part of what we do, ranging from smaller gatherings to large-scale events.

Our food program is rooted in approachable pub food made well, using quality ingredients and showcasing local products wherever possible. We respect what has made Swans successful while continuing to evolve the menu, the kitchen and the guest experience.

The Opportunity

We're looking for a Head Chef / Kitchen Manager to take ownership of the Swans kitchen and lead its next chapter.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who understands that running a successful kitchen requires more than producing great food. You'll be responsible for building and developing a strong team, creating consistent systems and delivering results across the three pillars that drive our business:

Guest Experience

Everything starts with the guest. You'll be accountable for the quality, consistency, presentation and execution of our food while working closely with the front-of-house leadership team to create an exceptional experience—from a table of two to a full-house event.

COGS

Great kitchens understand their numbers. You'll actively manage food cost through thoughtful menu development, purchasing, portion control, inventory management and waste reduction.

The goal isn't simply to spend less—it's to find the right balance between quality, value and profitability.

Labour

You'll build, schedule and develop a kitchen team capable of executing consistently while operating within established labour targets. That means putting the right people in the right positions, developing future leaders and creating systems that allow the kitchen to perform efficiently through both busy and quieter periods.

Events & Group Business

Events are an important part of Swans and an area we intend to continue growing.

You'll work closely with our management team to execute group dining, private functions and large-scale events alongside regular restaurant service. This requires strong planning,



organization and the ability to develop menus that can be executed effectively at scale without compromising the experience of our regular guests.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who combines the instincts of a chef with the discipline of an operator.

You should be comfortable leading from the kitchen, developing people, solving problems and making decisions using both experience and data. You'll have the opportunity to contribute creatively to the food program, while also being accountable for the performance of the kitchen.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who wants to build a great kitchen—not simply run one.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Execution & Guest Experience

Own the quality, consistency, presentation and execution of food leaving the kitchen, including ticket times and kitchen communication during regular service and events.

Kitchen Operations

Lead the day-to-day operation of a busy, high-volume kitchen. Establish and maintain clear standards and systems for preparation, service, cleanliness, food safety and overall kitchen organization.

Team Leadership & Development

Recruit, train, coach and develop a high-performing kitchen team. Set clear expectations, provide regular feedback and create a respectful, accountable environment that develops strong cooks and future leaders.

Labour Management

Build schedules based on forecasted sales and business needs and actively manage labour performance throughout the week while maintaining food quality and service standards.

COGS & Inventory Management

Take ownership of food cost and kitchen profitability through purchasing, inventory management, recipe costing, portion control, waste reduction and supplier management.

Menu Development

Develop and evolve menus that reflect Swans' identity: approachable pub food made well. Balance creativity with guest demand, kitchen execution, food cost and profitability.

Events & Group Dining

Plan and execute private events, group dining and large functions in collaboration with the management team, developing menus and service plans that can be executed efficiently at scale.

Systems & Continuous Improvement





Ensure back-of-house systems and procedures are consistently followed while continually identifying opportunities to improve organization, productivity, food quality and profitability.

Leadership Team Collaboration

Work closely with the General Manager and front-of-house leadership team on forecasts, staffing, events, guest feedback and operational priorities. Take shared ownership of the overall performance of Swans.

Qualifications

- Minimum 2 years of experience as a Head Chef, Kitchen Manager, Sous Chef or in a comparable kitchen leadership position.
- Experience leading a high-volume restaurant, pub or similarly complex food operation is strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of food cost, recipe costing, inventory management, purchasing and waste control.
- Demonstrated ability to build schedules and manage kitchen labour against sales and established targets.
- Proven ability to recruit, train, coach and develop kitchen employees and emerging leaders.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage regular restaurant service alongside events and large groups.
- Sound culinary fundamentals and the ability to balance quality, creativity, execution and profitability.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with front-of-house and senior management.
- Red Seal certification or equivalent professional culinary training is an asset, but relevant experience and demonstrated ability are equally valued.
- Current FOODSAFE certification, or the ability to obtain it.
- Availability to work evenings, weekends and holidays as required by the business.

What We Offer

- Competitive compensation package.
- Comprehensive health perks.
- Flexible scheduling with an emphasis on building a sustainable leadership schedule.
- Leadership meal budget and employee discounts.
- Opportunities for professional development, mentorship and industry events.
- The opportunity to lead and develop your own kitchen team.
- A leadership role where you'll have meaningful input into the evolution of Swans' food program.
- The resources and support of an established hospitality group while leading the kitchen of a well-known Victoria institution.

Job Type: Full-time Pay: $50,000.00-$60,000.00 per year

Benefits

- Casual dress
- Company events
- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Discounted or free food
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Store discount
- Vision care

Experience:
- Cooking: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification:
- Food Handler Certification (preferred)

Work Location: In person

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