Mrs. Riches Restaurant in Nanaimo, BC, is hiring a Head Chef – Restaurant & Catering Operations!

We are an established restaurant under new ownership, with exciting plans to strengthen our kitchen operations, introduce new menu offerings, and expand our full-service catering division.

We are looking for an experienced, creative, and hands-on culinary leader who is passionate about great food, developing strong teams, and building a successful kitchen.

This is a working chef position. We need someone who is just as comfortable cooking on the line as they are developing menus, training staff, and leading catering operations.

Position: Head Chef – Restaurant & Catering Operations

Location: Nanaimo, BC

Employment: Full-Time

Salary: $45,760–$80,000 CAD annually, based on experience and qualifications w bonuses.

Additional Compensation: Opportunity for performance-based bonuses

Key Responsibilities

Restaurant Kitchen Operations

- Work hands-on on the cooking line during daily restaurant service.
- Lead and oversee kitchen operations, ensuring consistent quality, presentation, and productive service.
- Manage daily prep, ordering, inventory, and kitchen organization.
- Establish and maintain recipes, portion standards, and kitchen procedures.
- Monitor food costs, waste, and kitchen labour efficiency.
- Identify opportunities to improve kitchen workflow and productivity.
- Maintain high standards of food safety, sanitation, and cleanliness.

Catering & Menu Development

- Work directly with Sterling, our owner, to develop restaurant and catering menus.
- Help build and grow our full-service catering division.




- Plan and execute weddings, corporate events, private functions, and large-scale catering.
- Develop recipes, production schedules, prep lists, and food quantities for events.
- Ensure consistent food quality and presentation across restaurant and catering operations.
- Bring fresh ideas and creativity to our culinary offerings.

Kitchen Leadership & Staff Training

- Train, mentor, and develop kitchen employees.
- Improve cooking techniques, kitchen workflow, and service execution.
- Establish clear expectations and accountability among kitchen staff.
- Assist with staffing, scheduling, and labour management.
- Lead by example and foster a positive, professional, and productive kitchen environment.

Qualifications

- Previous experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef, Kitchen Manager, or similar culinary leadership position.
- Strong hands-on cooking skills and experience running a busy restaurant line.
- Catering, banquet, or large-event production experience strongly preferred.
- Experience with food costing, inventory, ordering, and kitchen management.
- Proven ability to train and lead kitchen employees.
- Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Creativity, initiative, and a willingness to introduce improvements.




- Knowledge of BC food safety requirements.

Who We’re Looking For We aren’t looking for someone who simply supervises from the sidelines. We want a chef who enjoys cooking, leads by example, and takes pride in every plate that leaves the kitchen.

The right candidate will be able to take ownership of day-to-day kitchen operations while working collaboratively with ownership to develop menus, improve systems, and expand our catering business.

We value reliability, creativity, accountability, and a team-first attitude.

What We Offer

- Competitive annual salary
- Opportunity for performance-based bonuses tied to kitchen efficiency, food costs, and catering growth
- Full-time employment
- Direct collaboration with ownership on culinary direction and menu development
- Opportunity to play a key role in expanding our catering operations
- A supportive environment where new ideas and improvements are encouraged
- The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on an established restaurant entering an exciting new chapter

How to Apply Please send your resume and a brief introduction outlining your restaurant leadership, culinary experience, and any catering or large-event experience.

We look forward to meeting someone who shares our passion for great food, strong teams, and exceptional hospitality!

Mrs. Riches Restaurant

Nanaimo, British Columbia

Pay: $45,760.00-$62,400.00 per year

Benefits

- Casual dress
- Discounted or free food
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
- Store discount

Work Location: In person

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