Regional Culinary Operations Leader

Blue Shock Executive Search, established in 2003, excels in recruiting top-tier candidates across the restaurant, hospitality, and food service-related sectors. As industry leaders, we forge connections between exceptional talent and leading employers in Canada and the US.

Job Title: Regional Culinary Operations Leader

Location: Greater Vancouver Area, British Columbia

About the Opportunity:

We are seeking a senior culinary leader to oversee food and kitchen operations across multiple restaurant locations. This role is responsible for maintaining exceptional culinary standards, strengthening leadership capabilities within restaurant teams, and supporting the continued evolution of the food program.

The successful candidate will be equally comfortable developing long-term strategic initiatives and working alongside operational teams to ensure execution at the restaurant level. This individual will play a key role in enhancing guest satisfaction, driving operational performance, and supporting sustainable business growth.

What You'll Be Responsible For:

Culinary Leadership & Operations

• Provide direction and oversight for culinary performance across a portfolio of restaurants.
• Establish and maintain high standards for food quality, food safety, recipe adherence, and operational consistency.
• Support restaurant leadership teams in achieving culinary excellence through coaching, guidance, and performance management.
• Collaborate with senior operations leaders to align culinary initiatives with broader business objectives.
• Lead the implementation of new culinary programs, menu introductions, equipment initiatives, and process improvements.
• Identify opportunities to improve kitchen efficiency while maintaining a best-in-class guest experience.

Financial Performance

• Monitor and influence food cost performance, labour utilization, and waste management programs.
• Analyze operational metrics and partner with restaurant teams to improve profitability.
• Contribute to top-line revenue growth through menu innovation, culinary excellence, and execution of guest-focused initiatives.

Leadership Development

• Build strong culinary teams by recruiting, coaching, and developing future leaders.
• Create development plans that support succession planning at multiple organizational levels.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and operational excellence.
• Mentor chefs and kitchen leaders to maximize engagement, performance, and retention.

What We're Looking For:

• Minimum 2 years of multi-location culinary leadership experience within a full-service or upscale dining environment.
• 10+ years of progressive culinary and people leadership experience, including 4 years as a successful restaurant Chef with proven financial management capabilities.
• Experience supporting franchised restaurant operations, including brand standards, training programs, and operational alignment.
• Exposure to menu development, product testing, and culinary innovation processes.
• Proven involvement in restaurant openings, conversions, or large-scale operational launches.
• Demonstrated ability to take projects from concept through execution and implementation.
• Strong business acumen with a track record of balancing operational priorities with strategic objectives.
• Solid understanding of financial reporting, budgeting, cost controls, and profit management.
• Experience utilizing restaurant and kitchen management technologies such as scheduling platforms, inventory systems, kitchen display systems, production equipment, and operational reporting tools.
• Exceptional coaching, leadership, and talent development skills.
• Passion for hospitality, culinary creativity, and delivering outstanding guest experiences.

Relocation

Opportunity for relocation within Canada only. Only those candidates currently living in Canada will be considered for this opportunity. Candidates applying from outside Canada will not be contacted for interviews.