head chef

Walt Hospitality Group; Toronto; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Walt Hospitality Group in Downtown Toronto is seeking a Head Chef to lead the kitchen team, uphold authentic Italian cuisine, and drive menu development with a focus on quality, presentation, and timing.

You will manage ordering, inventory, cost controls, recruit and mentor staff, ensure food safety, and collaborate with owners on catering opportunities and future concepts.

This role offers an opportunity to shape a new chapter for a hands-on operation in a vibrant downtown setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of fine dining experience in a senior kitchen role.
• 2 years as Sous Chef or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of authentic Italian cuisine and methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team day-to-day, upholding the highest standards for authentic Italian food quality, presentation, and timing.
• Develop and refine menus that stay true to genuine Italian cuisine, balancing tradition, seasonality, and operational efficiency.
• Oversee ordering, inventory management, and cost control with a focus on quality Italian ingredients.
• Hire, train, schedule, and mentor kitchen staff in authentic Italian cooking techniques and standards.
• Uphold rigorous food safety, cleanliness, and organizational standards.
• Collaborate closely with hands-on owners and front-of-house on special events and catering opportunities.
• Contribute ideas as the company expands into catering and new projects while protecting the integrity of the Italian menu.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Communication

Food safety certification

Italian cuisine expertise

Job description

Company

Walt Hospitality Group

Job Title

Head Chef

Job details

• Location: Downtown Toronto, Toronto, ON (In person)
• Work location: On site
• Contract type: Full time
• Start date: Starts as soon as possible

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen team day-to-day, setting and maintaining the highest standards for authentic Italian food quality, presentation, and timing
• Develop and refine menus that stay true to genuine Italian cuisine, balancing tradition, seasonality, and operational efficiency
• Oversee ordering, inventory management, and cost control with a focus on quality Italian ingredients
• Hire, train, schedule, and mentor kitchen staff in authentic Italian cooking techniques and standards
• Uphold rigorous food safety, cleanliness, and organizational standards
• Collaborate closely with the hands-on owners and front-of-house on special events, authentic Italian catering opportunities, and future concepts
• Contribute ideas as the company expands into catering and new projects while protecting the integrity of the Italian menu

Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience as a sous chef (or equivalent senior kitchen role) in a high-quality restaurant, ideally with strong Italian cuisine experience
• Deep knowledge of and passion for authentic Italian cooking – this is not fusion or Italian-inspired; the food must be genuinely Italian
• Strong technical skills, refined palate, and respect for traditional Italian methods and ingredients
• Demonstrated leadership ability and readiness to own a kitchen
• Excellent organizational and communication skills, including the ability to work effectively with hands-on ownership
• Valid food safety certification (or willingness to obtain)
• Based in or willing to work in downtown Toronto

Experience & Qualifications

• Fine Dining: 4 years (required)
• Sous Chef: 2 years (required)

Compensation & Growth

• Competitive salary range: $55,000 - $70,000 depending on experience
• Pay: $55,000.00-$70,000.00 per year
• Opportunity to lead a kitchen focused on very authentic Italian cuisine for the first time
• Direct collaboration with hands-on owners
• Clear path for advancement as the company expands into catering and other projects
• Supportive environment that values culinary integrity, creativity, and professional development
• Dynamic downtown Toronto location

Benefits

• Salary $55,000 to $70,000 YEAR annually