Executive Chef

O'Rourke's Peak Cellars; Lake Country; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A vibrant winery in Lake Country seeks an Executive Chef to lead culinary operations, develop seasonal menus, and mentor a high-performing kitchen team. With a focus on garden-sourced ingredients, you'll shape the culinary identity of this premier destination, driving innovation and delivering memorable guest experiences.

Benefits

Competitive salary with gratuity pool

Wine and hospitality discounts

Creative freedom in menu development

Dental/Medical Benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum 7+ years of progressive culinary experience, including 3+ years as an Executive Chef.
• Strong leadership ability to mentor and motivate a kitchen team.
• Experience in winery or fine-dining environments highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute seasonal, garden-driven menus.
• Oversee all culinary operations and food safety standards.
• Manage kitchen budgets, inventory, and vendor relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary Innovation

Team Mentoring

Cost Management

Guest Experience

Education

Culinary Red Seal or equivalent

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Executive ChefLocation: Peak Cellars, Lake Country, BCReports To: General ManagerStart Date: ImmediateType: Full-Time, Year-Round

Compensation: $80,000 - $100,000

Company Overview:Located in the heart of Lake Country’s scenic wine region, Peak Cellars is a vibrant winery and culinary destination featuring estate-grown wines and a farm-to-table dining experience. Our Garden Bistro draws inspiration from our half-acre organic vegetable garden and two greenhouses, offering guests a seasonal menu that celebrates freshness, creativity, and craftsmanship. We are passionate about food, wine, and delivering exceptional hospitality.

Position Summary:The Executive Chef is the visionary and operational leader of our kitchen. This role is responsible for overseeing all culinary operations, developing inspired seasonal menus, leading and mentoring a talented kitchen team, and collaborating closely with our winemaking and hospitality teams to ensure a seamless guest experience. The Executive Chef will be instrumental in driving culinary innovation, maintaining food and labor cost controls, and upholding Peak Cellars’ reputation for excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute seasonal, garden-driven menus that align with the winery’s brand and guest expectations
• Oversee all culinary operations, including prep, service, plating, and food safety standards
• Lead, train, and inspire a high-performing kitchen team, fostering growth and accountability
• Collaborate with the winemaking team for food and wine pairing integration and special events
• Manage kitchen budgets, inventory, food and labor costs, and vendor relationships
• Oversee planning for wine-paired dinners, private events, and promotional culinary experiences
• Ensure compliance with all food safety and WorkSafeBC requirements
• Foster a positive kitchen culture rooted in professionalism, collaboration, and creativity

Qualifications:

• Minimum 7+ years of progressive culinary experience, including 3+ years in an Executive Chef role
• Culinary Red Seal or equivalent professional certification preferred
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor, motivate, and build an effective team
• Proven ability to manage food and labor costs within budget while delivering exceptional quality
• Experience with estate-grown or garden-supplied produce is a strong asset
• A passion for local food, sustainability, and creating memorable guest experiences
• Experience in winery, fine-dining, or upscale casual environments highly preferred

Perks & Benefits:

• Competitive salary with gratuity pool
• Wine and hospitality discounts across the estate
• Creative freedom in menu development with access to estate-grown ingredients
• Opportunity to shape the culinary identity of a top winery destination in the Okanagan Valley
• Dental/Medical Benefits

How to Apply:

• Please email resume to [e-mail]

O'Rourke Family Vineyards adheres to employment equity and equal opportunity programs and encourages all candidates to apply. We would like to thank all applicants for submitting their resume; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.