The Drake Hotel, an anchor of West Queen West has helped to transform Toronto’s cultural and hospitality map. After 18 years of success, the Drake has launched an exciting hotel expansion with the completion of our new Modern Wing. With 51 guest rooms, a dramatic new lobby including a cozy bar in addition to our existing extensive Food + Beverage spaces, we are currently seeking an EXECUTIVE CHEF to lead our dynamic kitchen team. This role provides a unique opportunity for an experienced, passionate, and innovative culinary professional and inspiring leader who is looking for a rewarding hospitality career, where dining has always been an integral part of the Drake Hotel experience!

A combination of skills and experience that include operational excellence in a high-volume business, as well as a proven desire to strive for continuous culinary innovation are required, building on the Drake’s popular comfort classics with a twist, with emphasis on seasonal flavours in a contemporary and elevated context. You will play an integral role in driving innovation in our offerings, including creation of specials, seasonal menus for all day parts, special events + catering menus, ensuring that they remain fresh and exciting, and overseeing a dynamic Sushi program. You will also work with local and international industry partners to create and execute fun and creative partnerships + popups. The culinary development will be reflective of the Drake brand and our future, with a keen eye to revenue growth and responsible cost containment.

The ideal candidate will bring management experience from a similar environment, as well as a strong culinary background, alongside staff management, operations, safety, and compliance skills. The individual will be focused on quality and consistent execution of the food program and will participate in menu development in conjunction with the Assistant General Manager and kitchen leadership team.

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the Assistant General Manager, you will contribute to an interdependent management team that includes: Hotel, FOH, Culinary, Events, Security, Facilities and the HR and Corporate Services departments.

Business + Financial Leadership

• Acting as a collaborative member of the Drake Hotel Management Team, working closely with Special Events, Marketing, F+B FOH, and Hotel to create exceptional offerings for our guests and increase Drake’s profile as a dining destination.
• Develop, achieve, and maintain appropriate and budgeted staffing levels and labour costs through effective hiring, training, and scheduling throughout seasonal fluctuations.
• Disseminate financial information and keep the BOH staff informed on budgets and targets that affect the total bottom line as well as incentivized bonuses.
• Develop annual budgets, inclusive of business planning, for food revenue/costs and kitchen labour.

Food Strategy

• Balance strong revenue growth and culinary innovation by planning and developing The Drake’s food identity and place within the market.
• Manage all menus, (incl. 4 seasonal flips, all Special Event menus and feature/specialty menus) within the framework of the Drake brand connecting the menu with both local and Drake suppliers.
• Special Event (wedding and corporate group) menus to be designed correspondent to these menus.
• Achieve and maintain budgeted food cost allowances through responsible sourcing, menu creation and procurement.

Leadership and Culinary Team Development

• Create and manage goals and responsibilities for BOH managers.
• Oversee food operations in standalone Dining Room; busy, full-service Lounge; all-day Café; celebrated year-round Sky Yard, In-Room Dining program. Outdoor seating in season of 200+; seated capacity of 325+, late night food offerings.
• Act as a keen talent scout for the kitchen, working with HR to recruit, train and mentor new kitchen staff and students.
• Understand and adhere to all kitchen operational policies + procedures, standards and training programs.
• The Executive Chef will take a lead position in the community outreach initiatives of The Drake, by participating in approved culinary events, competitions, and charity initiatives.
• Monitoring and managing service, quality, health + safety, equipment upkeep and cleanliness.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of progressive kitchen leadership experience (Head Chef or CDC) in a high-volume, fine or casual dining environment. Hotel/Culinary experience considered an asset.
• Demonstrated awareness of, and interest in, current culinary trends in the marketplace.
• Demonstrated patience, tact, and diplomacy while leading a diverse team of industry professionals and a deep understanding of what builds a sustaining Kitchen Culture.
• Ability to multi-task, remain cool, and keep up in a fast-paced environment (available evenings/weekends/holidays).
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational and communication skills, both verbal & written.
• Red Seal Certification or equivalent considered a strong asset.

WHAT WE OFFER:

We pride ourselves in providing strong leadership and development opportunities for passionate hospitality professionals who are looking to build rewarding, long-term careers. Drake offers a competitive compensation, bonus, and benefits package.

The Drake Hotel is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a positive, supportive, and creative environment at Drake Hotel Properties that promotes equity, inclusiveness and diversity. We welcome job applications from candidates of all backgrounds including, but not limited to, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour); refugees, newcomers, and immigrant persons; two-spirit, LGBTQ+ and gender non-binary persons, and persons with disabilities. Please advise us of any accommodations needed to ensure you can access and complete the submissions process.