Restaurant Operator

Push Operations; Area D (Elaho/Garibaldi); On-site; CAD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Quarterly bonuses

Work-life balance

Health benefits

Maternity Leave Top-Up

EAP program

Growth opportunities

Supportive leadership

Job summary

You will lead a passionate team in a fast-paced setting, balancing front of house and kitchen responsibilities, while supporting local initiatives and maintaining high-quality food and service.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 2 years in a leadership role managing 20 employees, ideally in both front of house and back of house.
• A minimum of 4 years of culinary experience in a fast-paced, high volume & professional kitchen environment.
• Proven cooking ability, excellent knife skills, and a seasoned palate.
• Experience leading guest experience initiatives that increase customer loyalty, satisfaction, and return visits.
• A collaborative leadership style that builds strong front of house and back of house teamwork and culture.

Responsibilities

• Working with your team to ensure great experiences for guests. Building great relationships with guests to create return customers.
• Working with your team to identify ways to give back to the local community and building partnerships with local initiatives.
• Leading by example and supporting service on the floor or in the kitchen as needed.
• Hiring, training, and developing a strong team, coordinating with HR on recruitment and retention.
• Ensuring performance reviews, development opportunities, and fair compensation decisions per company guidelines.
• Providing orientations, ongoing training, and coaching to support individual and team growth.

Skills

Leadership

Guest experience

Team building

People development

Food safety

Job description

Tacofino started as a food truck behind a surf shop in Tofino, BC and has since grown into a restaurant group known for bold flavours, fresh ingredients, and a laid-back, West Coast experience. At our core, we are about great food, hospitality, and strong community connections.

About You: You are a dynamic, hospitality-driven leader who understands that a great restaurant is more than just good food - it’s a gathering place, a community hub, and a go-to destination for exceptional hospitality, delicious meals, and memorable margaritas.

At Tacofino Squamish, you’ll help create a space where locals and visitors alike feel at home, where people come not just to eat, but to connect.

You lead with heart and purpose. You believe that incredible guest experiences begin with a strong team, and you’re committed to building and supporting that team. You lead by example, create a positive and inclusive work culture, and actively mentor your people to grow and thrive.

You’re also passionate about being part of the local fabric, partnering with community organizations, getting involved in events, and making Tacofino Squamish a proud and visible member of the Squamish community.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary + quarterly bonuses
• Work/Life balance
• Supportive leadership from a positive and engaged head office team
• Eligibility for extended health and dental benefits
• Maternity and Parental Leave Top-Up Plan
• Employee and Family Assistance Program for you and your loved ones
• Opportunities for continued growth

Our values:

• Creative quality food - We create original, quality offerings with unique flavours
• Community - We partner with our communities to support impactful, positive change
• Inspired hospitality - We want to provide memorable experiences that cannot be found anywhere else
• Our Team - We achieve our goals by embracing people for their individuality and supporting their personal and professional growth
• Environment - We strive to make positive, sustainable decisions whenever possible

You will be:

Guest Experience

• Working with your team to ensure great experiences for guests. Building great relationships with guests to create return customers
• Working with your team to identify ways to give back to the local community
• Seeking opportunities to build partnerships with the local community and participating in local initiatives
• Building great relationships with guests to foster loyalty and repeat business
• Maintaining a high-level of service that is aligned with our brand standards

People

• Fostering and maintaining a positive workplace culturethat encourages growth and great guest experiences
• Leading by example, jumping in to support service when needed - whether on the floor or in the kitchen
• Hire, train, and develop a strong team, working closely with HR on recruitment and retention
• Collaborating with head office in sales-building campaigns, including friendly competitions and employee rewards
• Ensuring performance reviews, development opportunities, promotion and compensation decisions are fair, equal, and in line with the standards of the company guidelines
• Providing orientations, ongoing training and development and coaching opportunities, and performance reviews to support individual and team development
• Ensuring your team is in compliance to appropriate safe food-handling procedures as per the Vancouver Coastal Health Guidelines

Food

• Ensuring that quality remains a priority and is upheld to Tacofino’s standards
• Oversee ordering, inventory management, and equipment maintenance
• Maintaining consistency and quality across food and beverage offerings
• Ensuring your team complies with food safety and health regulations

Operations

• Overseeing and coordinating the daily operations of the restaurant
• Monitoring and maintaining food and labour targets to meet goals, including sales and community initiatives
• Creating schedule templates, forecasted labour, and sales tracking
• Performing and submitting bi-weekly inventories, organizing invoices, and supporting payroll
• Other duties as required

To be qualified for this role, you will have:

• A minimum of 2 years in a leadership role managing 20 employees, ideally in both front of house and back of house
• A minimum of 4 years of culinary experience in a fast-paced, high volume & professional kitchen environment
• Proven cooking ability, excellent knife skills, and a seasoned palate
• Experience leading guest experience initiatives that increase customer loyalty, satisfaction, and return visits
• A collaborative leadership style that builds strong front of house and back of house teamwork and culture
• A demonstrated passion for soulful food, people, and the restaurant industry
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends according to the needs of the business

We believe in creating an inclusive environment and welcome all qualified applicants to apply.

Start Date: September 14 or sooner. Flexibility is available for the right candidate.