Executive Chef

SSP Group; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 80,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus opportunity

Health benefits

RRSP with company match

Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off

Job summary

SSP Canada is seeking an Executive Chef for Vancouver International Airport (YVR). Lead culinary operations across multiple concepts, drive food quality and standards, and develop kitchen leadership teams in a high-volume airport environment.

You’ll balance quality, safety, labor and financial performance while remaining hands-on during peak periods and partnering with operations leaders to close performance gaps.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive culinary leadership experience.
• Culinary degree or equivalent training/experience.
• Experience leading kitchen managers and culinary leaders, not just hourly staff.
• Strong understanding of food cost, labor, inventory, purchasing, budgeting and P&L.

Responsibilities

• Lead the culinary program and food production standards across YVR operations.
• Coach and develop kitchen managers, supervisors and culinary teams.
• Recruit, train and develop culinary talent and leadership pipelines.
• Establish standards for food quality, presentation and kitchen operations.
• Partner with leaders to identify gaps and implement solutions.
• Monitor food cost, labor, procurement, inventory and finances to improve profitability.
• Collaborate on menu development and execution standards.
• Ensure food safety, sanitation and regulatory compliance.
• Foster accountability, communication and continuous improvement.

Skills

Culinary leadership

Kitchen leadership development

Coaching & team development

Menu development

Food safety & compliance

Budgeting & P&L

Strong communication

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent

Tools

Airport operations knowledge

Job description

$80,000-$85,000 CAD + Bonus

Bring your culinary leadership to one of Canada’s busiest airports.

SSP Canada is seeking an experienced Executive Chef to provide culinary leadership across our food and beverage operations at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). This is a senior culinary leadership role responsible for providing direction, development and accountability to kitchen leadership while driving culinary performance across the YVR operation.

This is more than a kitchen management role. We’re looking for a hands‑on culinary leader who can develop kitchen leadership teams, elevate food quality and execution, strengthen operational standards, and drive consistent performance across a dynamic, multi-unit airport environment.

Working closely with the Director of Operations and restaurant leadership team, you’ll provide the culinary direction, accountability and coaching needed to deliver exceptional food experiences while balancing quality, safety, labor and financial performance.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the culinary program and food production standards across assigned YVR restaurant operations.
• Coach, develop and hold kitchen managers, supervisors and culinary teams accountable for execution and performance.
• Recruit, train and develop culinary talent while building succession plans and a strong leadership pipeline.
• Establish consistent standards for food quality, presentation, recipe execution and kitchen operations.
• Partner with restaurant and operations leaders to identify performance gaps and implement sustainable solutions.
• Monitor food cost, labor, purchasing, inventory and other key financial measures to improve profitability.
• Work with brand partners and culinary teams on menu development and execution standards.
• Ensure rigorous food safety, sanitation, workplace safety and regulatory compliance.
• Build a culture of accountability, communication and continuous improvement.
• Remain visible and hands‑on in the operation, particularly during high-volume periods.

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of progressive culinary and food & beverage leadership experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional culinary training/experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing kitchen managers and other culinary leaders, not simply managing an hourly kitchen team.
• Strong full-service restaurant experience; experience supporting multiple restaurants or concepts is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of food cost, labor management, inventory, purchasing, budgeting and P&L performance.
• Proven ability to establish standards and create accountability through other leaders.
• Strong coaching, communication and relationship-management skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, high-volume environment with multiple competing priorities.
• Food safety certification and ability to obtain all required airport/security clearances.

Why Join Us?

• Leadership Impact: Take on a key senior leadership role within one of SSP Canada's major airport operations.
• Dynamic Environment: Lead multiple restaurant concepts in the fast-paced environment of Vancouver International Airport.
• Develop Leaders: Build and strengthen a management team while creating succession and growth opportunities.
• Career Growth: Join one of the world's leading food travel companies with opportunities to continue advancing your operational leadership career.
• Competitive Total Rewards: Salary, bonus opportunity, health and dental benefits, paid time off, RRSP with company match and Employee Assistance Program.

Additional Statements

Diversity and Inclusion is a priority at SSP. We are an equal opportunities employer committed to engaging all of our people, so they feel valued and motivated; we champion diversity, promote inclusion, and ensure equality. We respect and protect human rights and prevent discrimination; and we positively impact our communities. We encourage and welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates regardless of background, gender, race, religious beliefs, disability, sexual identity and orientation.

SSP Canada is an equal opportunity employer and complies with the requirements of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities, 2005 in our recruitment and employment practices. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, including the interview and assessment stage, due to a disability, please inform us of your need and the nature of the accommodation(s) that may be required.

This position is located in a secure airport environment and a Restricted Area Identification Card (RAIC) is required. All candidates must be legally authorised to work in Canada and must be able to provide the necessary government‑issued documentation required for airport security clearance. Documentation will be reviewed during the onboarding process in accordance with Transport Canada regulations. Further information can be found at: