Are you interested in moving to beautiful Victoria, BC?  The Truffles Group is seeking a creative, innovative and visionary Culinary Development Chef who knows no bounds in cuisine across all levels of dining experiences. The Culinary Development Chef will be able to cultivate top-tier high performance people through coaching, training and mentoring in a supportive, inspiring and empowering work environment. The Culinary Development Chef will also be a pioneering strategist developing bold, brave and unrivalled initiatives at the forefront of an ever-changing competitive culinary landscape. We are not looking for average, we are looking for extraordinary. We are not looking for a lone ranger, we are looking for an exemplary team player.

Purpose:

 Create ongoing innovative and visionary menu development in direct collaboration and support of highly experienced and talented culinary teams across several multi-branded hospitality businesses – Truffles Catering, Canoe Brewpub, Habitat Café and Sequoia Coastal Coffee.

Skills & Knowledge:

 Food

• Advanced, diverse skills and expertise in culinary arts and hospitality services, with a true passion for quality and excellence
• Exceptional working knowledge and experience in blending and harmonizing dish compositions by highlighting local ingredients and using ethnically diverse and modern culinary methods
• Proven track record in taking cuisine standards to the next level with meticulous attention to detail
• A culinary visionary and relentless pursuit of unique cuisine offerings with originality, innovation, presentation, and creativity
• Adept at sourcing out local community, uber fresh, highest quality food products and ingredients
• Solid knowledge and experience in west coast themed food and cooking styles
• In-depth knowledge of cuisine preparation in fine dining, up-scale catering, higher end brewpub restaurants, cafes and coffee houses
• Ability to establish menu composition respective of outlet high volume for consistent execution, presentation and timing
• Extensive working knowledge in the use of a variety of proteins, different cuts, unique sourcing of beef, fish, pork, poultry and game with sensitivity to sustainable and Ocean Wise practices
• Extensive working knowledge on prevailing dietary preferences related to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, zero trans-fat, non-GMO, low sodium/sugar, and healthy preparation techniques to preserve vitamin/mineral content and freshness
• Adaptability experience in developing seasonal menus for winter, spring, summer, fall
• In-depth experience in menu composition for various styles: à la carte, table d’hôte/prix fixe, buffet, plated, etc., over the full range of options: starters, soups, salads, mains, desserts
• Stays current with all restaurant culinary and dining trends
• Experience in a variety of ethnic cuisine preparation techniques would be an asset
• Pastry chef and baking experience would be an asset

People

• Highly skilled verbal and written skills to support tactful engagement, collaboration and influence with experienced Executive Chefs, Sous Chefs and kitchen brigades, in one-on-one or group settings
• Ability to create an atmosphere of open dialogue, mutual trust and support
• Personifies the innate ability to bring out the best in people and seeks the collective team’s limelight over self promotion
• You may be a coach, but it’s the team that wins the game

Technical

• Fully knowledgeable on kitchen equipment, product lines and operating logistics
• Good computer skills for menu planning, report writing and executive presentations
• Good time management skills, independent, self starter, able to meet deadlines
• Kitchen design and development experience would be an asset

Education & Experience:

• Education in culinary management from an accredited institute or university
• Red Seal certification
• Minimum 5 to 7 years Executive Chef level culinary experience across a broad range of dining levels
• Ability to provide a portfolio of photos that showcase your work and experience

We Offer:

• Competitive base salary plus incentive package
• Extended health & dental and health & wellness account
• RRSP matching

• A dynamic work environment with great people
• A focus on ethical and sustainable business practices
• Cross-training, growth opportunities and staff discount privileges with The Truffles Group of partner businesses (trufflesgroup.com)
• Complimentary entry to community events
• Paid volunteer days

• Donation matching
• Potential relocation allowance for out of town candidates

Status: Full-time, permanent

Travel required to: Truffles Catering, Habitat, Sequoia, Canoe Brewpub

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer, dotted line to Regional Manager, Hospitality Operations

If this is you, let us know by forwarding your resume and cover letter to careers@trufflesgroup.com.  Please indicate the position you are applying for in the subject line of the email.  Only those who qualify will be contacted.

The Truffles Group is a collection of rapidly growing businesses with a big vision.  Locally owned and operated, we are a people-powered group of companies devoted to changing the way people think about Vancouver Island’s hospitality, tourism and beverage retail industries.