Mexican Amigos is an established full-service Mexican restaurant in Richmond Hill, Ontario. We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Executive Chef to lead our kitchen team and oversee all aspects of kitchen operations.
This is a leadership position, not simply a cooking role. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining consistent food quality, managing and training kitchen staff, controlling food and labour costs, maintaining food safety standards, and ensuring the kitchen operates efficiently during both busy and slower periods.
We are looking for someone who takes ownership of the kitchen and can maintain high standards every day.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, supervise and train all kitchen staff
- Oversee daily kitchen operations and service
- Maintain consistent food quality, taste, presentation and portion sizes
- Ensure recipes and restaurant standards are followed consistently
- Manage food preparation and kitchen organization
- Monitor inventory and place/coordinate food orders
- Control food costs, waste and portioning
- Assist with scheduling and control kitchen labour costs
- Maintain proper inventory rotation and FIFO procedures
- Ensure cleanliness, sanitation and food-safety standards are followed
- Ensure proper food storage, labeling and temperature control
- Monitor prep levels and ensure the kitchen is prepared for busy services
- Work hands-on with the kitchen team when necessary
- Identify operational problems and implement solutions
- Train new cooks and continuously develop existing kitchen staff
- Work closely with ownership and front-of-house management
- Assist with menu development, recipes and seasonal specials
- Maintain consistency across dine-in, takeout, delivery, catering and events
Requirements
- Minimum 5 years of professional kitchen experience
- Minimum 2 years in a Chef, Head Chef, Kitchen Manager or similar leadership position
- Strong knowledge of Mexican cuisine and cooking techniques preferred
- Experience managing a busy full-service restaurant kitchen
- Strong leadership and staff-management skills
- Strong understanding of food cost, inventory, waste and portion control
- Knowledge of food safety and sanitation requirements
- Ability to organize and manage kitchen prep and service efficiently
- Ability to remain calm and lead the team during high-volume service
- Reliable, organized and accountable
- Strong communication skills
- Available to work evenings, weekends and holidays as required
- Food Handler Certification required or must be obtained
- Spanish-speaking ability is an asset
- English communication skills sufficient to effectively manage the kitchen and communicate with staff and management are required
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for a chef who is hands-on and leads by example. You should be comfortable working alongside the kitchen team during busy service rather than managing exclusively from an office.
You should understand the business side of running a kitchen, including food cost, labour, inventory, waste, productivity and consistency.
Most importantly, you should take pride in the food leaving the kitchen and understand that our customers are the top priority.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Full-time position
- Stable, established restaurant
- On-site parking
- Opportunity to lead and develop the kitchen team
- Opportunity to contribute to menu development and restaurant growth
To Apply
Please submit an up-to-date résumé detailing your kitchen leadership experience, restaurants you have worked at and experience with Mexican cuisine.
Only candidates with relevant professional kitchen and leadership experience will be considered.
Pay: $50,000.00-$80,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Discounted or free food
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Application question(s):
- Do you have experience managing and supervising a restaurant kitchen team?
- Do you have professional experience preparing Mexican cuisine?
Experience:
- Cooking: 5 years (required)
- Kitchen Management/Chef: 2 years (required)
Work Location: In person
