Executive Chef

The Crescent Hotels Group; Stratford; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hotel and resort company in Stratford, Ontario, is seeking an Executive Chef to lead the culinary vision for its new property, The Queen's Cue. This role involves creating innovative menus that reflect local flavors and overseeing kitchen operations across multiple dining outlets. The successful candidate will benefit from competitive wages, health benefits, and discounts at Marriott properties. Required experience includes a senior culinary leadership role and a strong command of kitchen management. Start date is January 12, 2026.

Benefits

Highly competitive wages

Exceptional benefit plan

RRSP matching program

Discounts at managed properties

Free parking

Complimentary onsite gym access

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience in culinary leadership.
• Strong knowledge of kitchen operations and safety regulations.
• Ability to design menus that minimize waste and maximize efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of culinary vision across multiple outlets.
• Mentor kitchen team and oversee daily operations.
• Collaborate with leadership for successful pre-opening.

Skills

Kitchen operations management

Menu creation

Team leadership

Effective communication

Job description

Description

At The Queen's Cue and Crescent Hotels & Resorts, we are a team of hospitality professionals that are deeply connected to and proud of the exceptional experiences we provide for our guests. More than that, we know our Associates are the shining stars of what we do!

We understand what it takes to be a part of something great. We will encourage you to bring your true self to work every day, we will celebrate you and we will cheer you on as you shine bright in your career journey. Whether it be our health and wellness programs, best in class learning and development or our travel discounts that ‘feed your inner explorer’, we work hard to create and deliver on what YOU need. We are ready for you to start your journey with us where You Belong. We Care. Shine Bright.

Expected to open in Spring 2026, The Queen’s Cue, a Marriott Tribute Portfolio Hotel, are seeking an enthusiastic pre-opening Executive Chef to define the culinary identity of our boutique property. With a full-service, heritage-inspired pub, a cocktail-forward lounge, and flexible meeting and event space, this role will shape a multi-outlet program that blends Stratford’s local flavors with design-forward, independent-minded dining experiences. This is a rare opportunity for a visionary leader to build something truly distinctive from the ground up. You will have the creative freedom to establish the hotel’s culinary direction, develop menus that reflect Stratford’s vibrant food culture, and craft experiences that resonate with both locals and travelers.

The anticipated start date for this role is January 12, 2026.

We are committed to providing you with:

1. Highly competitive wages, with an expected salary range of $60K - $70K.
2. An exceptional benefit plan for eligible associates & your family members.
3. RRSP matching program for eligible associates.
4. Discounts with Crescent managed properties in North America, and Marriott Worldwide for you & your family members.
5. Free parking and complimentary onsite gym access.
6. A workplace that you can be proud of, where you are valued, trusted and supported by the team.

Does this sound like you?

As our Executive Chef, you will lead the development and execution of our culinary vision across the Boar’s Head Pub, Lobby Lounge, and Banquet Operations. You will guide the kitchen team in crafting innovative menus and specials that showcase Stratford’s local flavors while delivering memorable dining experiences throughout every outlet. You will collaborate closely with the hotel’s leadership team during pre-opening to prepare each space for launch, shape our overall dining identity, and ensure a seamless and successful opening.

In this role, you bring a creative and passionate culinary voice to a fast‑paced, boutique environment. You excel at mentoring teams, overseeing day‑to‑day kitchen operations, and upholding exceptional standards of quality and consistency. Flexibility across a variety of shifts – including evenings and weekends – fits well with your lifestyle, and you are confident participating in weekly Manager‑on‑Duty rotations to support the wider hotel operation.

Who we are looking for:

• At least 3 years of experience in a senior culinary leadership role.
• A strong command of kitchen operations, including team scheduling, labour oversight, inventory and ordering processes, and overall cost management.
• A consistent track record of upholding a safe, sanitary, and regulation‑compliant kitchen in line with Ontario’s health and safety requirements.
• Proven skill in menu creation and program development, with the ability to design menus that maximize cross‑outlet ingredient use, support efficient purchasing, and minimize waste.
• Clear and effective communication skills, with the ability to collaborate seamlessly with FOH and BOH teams.
• The ability to coach, inspire, and lead a culinary team with professionalism and a positive approach.
• A hands‑on, engaged leadership style and a desire to contribute meaningfully to the evolution of the restaurant’s culinary vision.

We welcome applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. This posting represents a current vacancy and Crescent Hotels & Resorts does not use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, and/or select applicants.

At Crescent Hotels & Resorts we strive to create a great place to work where associates at all levels of our organization are respected for their differences, just like the guests and owners we serve. That’s why we are dedicated to creating an environment that facilitates open and honest conversations about race, equity, diversity, and inclusion. By examining our own beliefs and behaviors, we can create change through training, recruiting, and promoting diverse talent to strengthen our culture.

Source: Crescent Hotels & Resorts