Job Summary
1001082101 Ontario Ltd. o/a Spicy Man Restaurant is seeking an experienced and dynamic Head Chef to lead our culinary team at our Sichuan Chinese restaurant in Ottawa, Ontario.
The ideal candidate must have strong leadership skills, extensive experience in Chinese cuisine, and the ability to manage all aspects of kitchen operations in a fast-paced restaurant environment. The Head Chef will be responsible for maintaining high standards in food preparation, kitchen management, food safety, menu execution, staff training, and overall consistency of dishes served to customers.
The successful candidate must have at least five years of relevant culinary experience, including strong experience in Sichuan cuisine and Chinese kitchen operations.
Responsibilities
- Lead, supervise, and coordinate daily kitchen operations, including cooks, kitchen helpers, and food preparation staff;
- Plan, organize, and direct food preparation, cooking, plating, and presentation to ensure consistency, quality, and efficiency;
- Prepare and oversee authentic Sichuan cuisine dishes, Chinese specialty menu items, sauces, seasonings, and related food preparations;
- Develop, review, and maintain recipes, menu items, portion controls, food presentation standards, and kitchen operating procedures;
- Ensure all dishes meet the restaurant’s quality standards, taste profile, spice level, texture, temperature, and presentation requirements;
- Train, mentor, and evaluate kitchen staff in Chinese cooking techniques, Sichuan cuisine standards, sanitation, and safe food handling procedures;
- Monitor inventory levels, inspect ingredients and supplies, coordinate purchasing needs, and reduce food waste;
- Assist with food cost control, kitchen budgeting, labour planning, and operational efficiency;
- Maintain strict compliance with food safety, hygiene, sanitation, workplace safety, and applicable health regulations;
- Ensure the kitchen, equipment, storage areas, and food preparation stations are clean, organized, and properly maintained;
- Coordinate with restaurant management and front-of-house staff to improve service flow, customer satisfaction, and overall restaurant operations.
Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years of experience as a chef, head chef, sous chef, senior cook, or in a similar senior kitchen role;
- Strong experience in Chinese cuisine is required;
- Experience in Sichuan cuisine is required, including knowledge of Sichuan flavours, sauces, seasonings, wok techniques, spice control, and traditional preparation methods;
- Previous supervisory or kitchen management experience is required;
- Strong knowledge of food preparation, food safety, sanitation, kitchen equipment, inventory control, and restaurant kitchen operations;
- Ability to lead, train, and motivate kitchen staff in a fast-paced restaurant environment;
- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain consistency in food quality and presentation;
- Ability to work under pressure during busy service periods;
- English and Mandarin Chinese are required due to daily communication with a Mandarin-speaking kitchen team, Chinese culinary terminology, recipes, training, and Sichuan cuisine preparation standards;
- Secondary school graduation certificate or equivalent experience is required.
Pay: $35.99-$45.99 per hour
Benefits:
- Commuter benefits
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
