Head Chef/Kitchen Manager

Head Chef

White Birch Cafe & Bistro – Fernie, BC

Pay: $26.00–$28.00 per hour, based on experience to start with opportuinty to grow.
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Location: In person – Fernie, BC

About White Birch Cafe & Bistro

White Birch Cafe & Bistro is looking for a passionate, organized, and motivated chef to lead our kitchen team and help drive the continued growth of our café, bistro, and catering operations in Fernie.

We focus on elevated café dining, quality ingredients, scratch cooking, and exceptional brunch and lunch experiences. Beyond our daily café service, we operate a significant catering business, including private chef experiences, high-end private dinners, and customized events. This offers an opportunity to work across a diverse range of culinary experiences and develop your skills beyond a traditional restaurant kitchen.

The successful candidate will work directly with our experienced, Red Seal-certified Executive Chef and Owner, receiving mentorship and guidance while taking an active role in leading daily kitchen operations.

Are you an experienced Sous Chef or kitchen leader ready to take the next step into your first Head Chef role? This is an opportunity to develop your leadership and management skills, gain experience across multiple areas of the culinary industry, and grow professionally with an expanding business while having the support of an experienced chef behind you.

We’re looking for someone who leads by example, takes pride in their work, and understands that great food starts with a great team, strong systems, and attention to detail. Brunch, café, and baking or pastry experience are significant assets.

What We’re Looking For

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef, Kitchen Supervisor, or in a similar kitchen leadership role.
• Strong cooking skills and experience working in a busy kitchen.
• Brunch and café-style service experience is a major asset.
• Baking and pastry experience is an asset.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
• A desire to develop as a chef and take the next step in your career.
• An interest in catering, private dining, and elevated culinary experiences.
• Experience with menu development, recipe consistency, and food costing.
• Knowledge of ordering, inventory management, portion control, and waste reduction.
• Ability to organize prep, manage service flow, and maintain consistent ticket times.
• A strong understanding of food safety, sanitation, and kitchen organization.
• A calm, solutions-focused approach in a fast-paced environment.
• A genuine passion for quality ingredients, scratch cooking, and hospitality.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day kitchen operations, including preparation, service, and closing procedures.
• Set the standard for food quality, presentation, consistency, and kitchen professionalism.
• Lead, support, train, and develop cooks and other kitchen team members.
• Organize prep lists, production schedules, and daily kitchen priorities.
• Oversee ordering, inventory, food costing, portion control, and waste management.
• Contribute to menu development, seasonal features, and ongoing improvements to our food offering.
• Assist with the preparation and execution of catering events, private chef experiences, and high-end private dinners.
• Adapt kitchen production and execution to accommodate different menus, guest counts, and event requirements.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness, organization, and food safety compliance.
• Manage kitchen workflow and ensure smooth, efficient service during busy periods.
• Work closely with the Executive Chef and Owner to strengthen kitchen systems, develop new ideas, and improve operational efficiency.
• Help build a positive, accountable, and team-focused kitchen culture.

What We Offer

• Competitive pay of $26.00–$27.00 per hour, based on experience.
• Full-time, permanent employment.
• Ski pass incentive — enjoy the mountain lifestyle that makes Fernie special.
• Direct mentorship from an experienced, Red Seal-certified Executive Chef and Owner.
• An opportunity to step into your first Head Chef position with guidance and support.
• Hands-on experience across café service, brunch, catering, private dining, and high-end culinary events.
• Creative input into menu development, features, and special events.
• Opportunities to develop your leadership, management, and culinary skills.
• The chance to take on increasing responsibility as the business continues to grow.
• A supportive, team-focused working environment within an independent Fernie business.

How to Apply

If you’re an experienced cook or Sous Chef ready to take the next step, passionate about great food, and excited to develop your skills under the guidance of an experienced chef, we’d love to hear from you.

Please send us your resume and a short introduction outlining your kitchen experience, leadership style, and what you hope to bring to White Birch Cafe & Bistro.

This is an opportunity to grow into a Head Chef role, not just take on a job title. We’re looking for someone who wants to learn, contribute, take ownership, and build something they can be proud of.

Pay: $26.00-$28.00 per hour

Work Location: In person