Executive Chef – Cook County Steakhouse
About Cook County Steakhouse
Cook County Steakhouse is redefining Alberta's dining experience by combining premium Canadian beef, elevated western hospitality, and unforgettable guest experiences. We are seeking an accomplished Executive Chef who is passionate about exceptional food, inspiring teams, and operational excellence.
This is more than running a kitchen—it's an opportunity to build one of Alberta's premier steakhouse destinations.
Position Summary
The Executive Chef is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and success of the Cook County Steakhouse kitchen. This role requires a highly experienced steakhouse chef with a proven background in premium beef programs, scratch cooking, kitchen leadership, financial management, and creating memorable dining experiences.
The successful candidate will lead all culinary operations while maintaining the highest standards of food quality, consistency, cleanliness, and profitability.
Key ResponsibilitiesCulinary Leadership
- Lead all culinary operations for Cook County Steakhouse.
- Develop and maintain an elevated steakhouse menu focused on premium Alberta beef and seasonal ingredients.
- Ensure every dish meets presentation, quality, and consistency standards.
- Maintain exceptional execution during both regular service and high-volume events.
- Continuously innovate through seasonal features, tasting menus, chef specials, and special events.
Premium Beef Program
- Demonstrate extensive knowledge of premium beef, including grading, aging, fabrication, cooking techniques, and sourcing.
- Oversee steak cutting, portion control, aging programs, and yield management.
- Train culinary staff on proper preparation, cooking temperatures, resting techniques, and presentation.
- Maintain relationships with premium Alberta producers and suppliers.
Kitchen Leadership
- Recruit, mentor, coach, and develop a high-performing culinary team.
- Foster a positive, respectful, and accountable kitchen culture.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and ongoing training.
- Schedule labour effectively while maintaining service excellence.
- Lead by example through professionalism, urgency, and teamwork.
Financial Performance
- Manage kitchen budgets and operating costs.
- Achieve food cost targets through purchasing, inventory control, portion management, and waste reduction.
- Monitor labour costs and productivity.
- Complete weekly inventory and ordering.
- Analyze sales trends to maximize profitability.
Food Safety & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with Alberta Health regulations.
- Maintain impeccable sanitation and cleanliness standards.
- Oversee HACCP procedures and food safety protocols.
- Ensure equipment is maintained and operating safely.
Operational Excellence
- Collaborate with front-of-house leadership to deliver an exceptional guest experience.
- Support special events, private dining, wine dinners, and culinary showcases.
- Participate in menu engineering and pricing strategies.
- Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and business planning.
QualificationsRequired Experience
- Minimum 7–10 years of progressive culinary leadership experience.
- Minimum 3–5 years as an Executive Chef or Executive Sous Chef in a premium steakhouse or upscale dining environment.
- Extensive experience with premium steakhouse operations.
- Proven leadership in high-volume kitchens.
- Strong knowledge of butchery, dry-aging, grilling, and premium beef preparation.
- Experience managing food and labour costs.
- Strong understanding of inventory management and purchasing.
Preferred Qualifications
- Red Seal Chef Certification considered an asset.
- Food Safe Certification.
- Experience with wine pairing and elevated dining experiences.
- Experience executing banquets and large-scale events.
- Passion for Alberta's local food producers and ingredients.
Skills & Competencies
- Exceptional leadership and coaching abilities
- Strong business and financial acumen
- High attention to detail
- Excellent communication skills
- Calm under pressure
- Creative menu development
- Passion for hospitality
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Commitment to continuous improvement
What Success Looks Like
The Executive Chef will:
- Deliver an exceptional guest dining experience every service.
- Build and retain a strong culinary team.
- Maintain consistent food quality and presentation.
- Meet or exceed food cost and labour targets.
- Drive menu innovation while protecting the Cook County brand.
- Create a culture of accountability, respect, and excellence.
Compensation & Benefits
At Cook County Steakhouse, we believe exceptional leadership should be recognized and rewarded. In addition to a competitive salary, the Executive Chef will have the opportunity to participate in performance-based incentives that align with the continued growth and success of the restaurant.
Performance Bonus Program
The Executive Chef is eligible to participate in a quarterly performance bonus program based on achieving key business objectives, which may include:
- Sales growth
- Food cost and inventory management
- Labour cost performance
- Profitability targets
- Guest satisfaction and online reputation
- Health and food safety compliance
- Team development and staff retention
If you are a passionate culinary leader who thrives on excellence, values teamwork, and wants to leave your mark on an exciting and growing brand, we'd love to meet you.
Pay: From $60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
