NOVA is an elevated upscale-casual restaurant built around exceptional hospitality, premium Canadian ingredients, and modern West Coast cuisine. With a focus on wood-fired steaks, fresh seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and polished service, NOVA is creating a dining experience that is vibrant, sophisticated, and approachable.
As we continue to grow, we are seeking an inspiring Head Chef to lead the culinary team at our North Vancouver location. This is an outstanding opportunity for a passionate chef who enjoys building high-performing teams, mentoring future leaders, and helping shape the culinary direction of a growing hospitality group.
The Role : Reporting directly to ownership, the Head Chef will oversee every aspect of kitchen operations while maintaining the highest standards of quality, consistency, and operational excellence. This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and leads by example. Beyond daily operations, you'll play an important role in developing people, refining systems, controlling costs, and ensuring every guest receives an exceptional dining experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all back-of-house operations and ensure smooth daily service.
- Inspire, mentor, coach, and develop a high-performing culinary team.
- Recruit, interview, train, schedule, and evaluate kitchen employees.
- Execute NOVA's culinary vision while maintaining exceptional food quality and presentation.
- Ensure consistency across every dish served through recipe adherence and quality control.
- Oversee food purchasing, inventory management, receiving, and product rotation.
- Manage food cost, labour cost, waste reduction, and kitchen productivity.
- Maintain accurate ordering and inventory systems.
- Develop and implement efficient kitchen procedures and service standards.
- Collaborate with ownership on seasonal features, menu enhancements, and special events.
- Ensure compliance with all WorkSafeBC, Vancouver Coastal Health, and food safety regulations.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and professional kitchen that exceeds sanitation standards.
- Work closely with Front-of-House leadership to deliver seamless service and outstanding guest satisfaction.
- Foster a positive, respectful, and performance-driven kitchen culture.
Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years of leadership experience as a Head Chef, Executive Sous Chef, or Senior Sous Chef.
- Experience in upscale, premium casual, or fine dining restaurants.
- Strong understanding of modern culinary techniques and high-volume service.
- Proven experience managing food costs, labour budgets, purchasing, and inventory.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and coaching skills.
- Ability to remain calm and organized under pressure.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to consistency.
- Food Safe Level 1 certification (Level 2 considered an asset).
- Legally authorized to work in Canada.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.
- Performance-based bonus opportunities.
- Extended health benefits.
- Staff meals and dining discounts.
- Professional development and leadership growth opportunities.
- Opportunity to help shape the future of a growing hospitality brand.
- Supportive ownership team that values innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
If you're a passionate culinary leader who takes pride in developing people, delivering exceptional food, and building successful kitchen teams, we'd love to hear from you.
Job Type: Full-time
Compensation: Competitive salary, negotiable based on experience and qualifications
NOVA is an equal opportunity employer. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: $70,000.00-$80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- Extended health care
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
