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Executive Chef Jobs in Waterloo, ON (NOW HIRING)

Executive Chef, FSD, Chef manager Employee Group: UFCW Application Deadline: Open until filled Requisition ID: 11639 Wilfrid Laurier University is a leading multi-campus university that excels at ...

Drawing inspiration from his experience in a Michelin-recognized restaurant and designing the menu for the James Beard House Canada 150th celebration, Executive Chef Brandon Thordarson delivers ...

Culinary Sup

Kitchener, ON ยท On-site

$18/hr

Drawing inspiration from his experience in a Michelin-recognized restaurant and designing the menu for the James Beard House Canada 150th celebration, Executive Chef Brandon Thordarson delivers ...

Drawing inspiration from his experience in a Michelin-recognized restaurant and designing the menu for the James Beard House Canada 150th celebration, Executive Chef Brandon Thordarson delivers ...

Managers and Supervsiors

Kitchener, ON ยท On-site

$24 - $27/hr

Drawing inspiration from his experience in a Michelin-recognized restaurant and designing the menu for the James Beard House Canada 150th celebration, Executive Chef Brandon Thordarson delivers ...

Drawing inspiration from his experience in a Michelin-recognized restaurant and designing the menu for the James Beard House Canada 150th celebration, Executive Chef Brandon Thordarson delivers ...

Drawing inspiration from his experience in a Michelin-recognized restaurant and designing the menu for the James Beard House Canada 150th celebration, Executive Chef Brandon Thordarson delivers ...

Drawing inspiration from his experience in a Michelin-recognized restaurant and designing the menu for the James Beard House Canada 150th celebration, Executive Chef Brandon Thordarson delivers ...

Prep Cook

Kitchener, ON ยท On-site

$17.60/hr

Drawing inspiration from his experience in a Michelin-recognized restaurant and designing the menu for the James Beard House Canada 150th celebration, Executive Chef Brandon Thordarson delivers ...

Prep Cook am

Kitchener, ON ยท On-site

$17.60/hr

Drawing inspiration from his experience in a Michelin-recognized restaurant and designing the menu for the James Beard House Canada 150th celebration, Executive Chef Brandon Thordarson delivers ...

Line Cook

Kitchener, ON ยท On-site

$17.60/hr

Drawing inspiration from his experience in a Michelin-recognized restaurant and designing the menu for the James Beard House Canada 150th celebration, Executive Chef Brandon Thordarson delivers ...

Drawing inspiration from his experience in a Michelin-recognized restaurant and designing the menu for the James Beard House Canada 150th celebration, Executive Chef Brandon Thordarson delivers ...

Server

Kitchener, ON ยท On-site

Drawing inspiration from his experience in a Michelin-recognized restaurant and designing the menu for the James Beard House Canada 150th celebration, Executive Chef Brandon Thordarson delivers ...

Chef / Sous Chef

Grand Valley, ON ยท On-site

CA$22/hr

We're looking for a passionate and reliable Chef / Sous Chef / Cook to join our kitchen team. If you enjoy preparing great food, take pride in your work, and thrive in a fast-paced environment, we'd ...

Drawing inspiration from his experience in a Michelin-recognized restaurant and designing the menu for the James Beard House Canada 150th celebration, Executive Chef Brandon Thordarson delivers ...

Drawing inspiration from his experience in a Michelin-recognized restaurant and designing the menu for the James Beard House Canada 150th celebration, Executive Chef Brandon Thordarson delivers ...

The Village of Riverside Glen has an exciting opportunity for a Chef to join their team. * Status: Casual * Location: 60 Woodlawn Road E, Guelph The hiring rate for this role is $24.56 per collective ...

Key Accountabilities Assist the Chef in the Day-to-Day Kitchen Operation: Suggest menu selections to the Unit Chef including vegetarian options, theme menus for special events, and any accommodation ...

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Showing results 1-20

Executive Chef information

See Waterloo, ON salary details

$27.5K

$65.6K

$99.3K

How much do executive chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for executive chef in Waterloo, ON is $65,636.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,279.00 and $75,987.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an executive chef do?

An executive chef is the head of the entire kitchen operation of a restaurant. Executive chefs manage inventory, budgeting, menu planning, training, plating, and all kitchen staff, from sous chefs to dishwashers. They ensure the high standard of food quality and that service runs smoothly and efficiently. Executive chefs are the highest level of level of management in the kitchen, and they are ultimately responsible for its success or failure.

What is an executive chef?

Executive Chefs are the head of a restaurant or hotel's kitchen, responsible for overseeing all culinary operations. They develop menus, manage kitchen staff, ensure food quality, and handle budgeting and inventory. Executive Chefs also collaborate with management on menu pricing and may be involved in hiring and training staff. Their primary goal is to maintain high standards of food preparation and presentation while ensuring the kitchen runs efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an executive chef, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Executive Chef, you need advanced culinary skills, menu development expertise, and significant kitchen management experience, often supported by a degree from a culinary school or equivalent professional experience. Proficiency with inventory management systems, commercial kitchen equipment, and food safety certifications (like ServSafe) is typically required. Leadership, creativity, and strong communication are essential soft skills to inspire teams and maintain high service standards. These skills ensure operational efficiency, innovation, and customer satisfaction in a fast-paced culinary environment.

What are some of the main challenges executive chefs face when managing kitchen staff and operations?

Executive Chefs often balance creative menu development with the practicalities of managing a diverse kitchen team. Common challenges include maintaining high food quality standards during busy service periods, training and motivating staff, and handling tight budgets for food costs and labor. Effective communication is crucial, as Executive Chefs collaborate closely with restaurant management, waitstaff, and suppliers to ensure smooth operations. Adapting quickly to unexpected issues, such as equipment breakdowns or staff shortages, is also a key part of the role.

What is the difference between Executive Chef vs Sous Chef?

AspectExecutive ChefSous Chef
CredentialsCulinary degree, extensive experienceCulinary degree or equivalent, experience in kitchens
Work EnvironmentOversees entire kitchen operations, manages staffAssists Executive Chef, manages specific kitchen sections
Industry UsageHigh-end restaurants, hotels, resortsAll restaurant types, including casual and fine dining

The Executive Chef is responsible for overall kitchen management, menu creation, and staff supervision, while the Sous Chef supports the Executive Chef by managing daily kitchen operations and specific sections. Both roles require culinary credentials and experience, but the Executive Chef holds a higher leadership position within the culinary hierarchy.

What does an executive chef get paid?

The average salary for an executive chef varies depending on location and establishment but typically ranges from $50,000 to $100,000 annually. Experienced executive chefs in high-end restaurants or large hotels can earn over $100,000, often supplemented with bonuses and benefits. Strong leadership, culinary skills, and management experience are essential for higher compensation.

What is the work of an executive chef?

An executive chef is responsible for overseeing the entire kitchen operation, including menu planning, managing staff, ensuring food quality and safety, and controlling costs. They often coordinate with suppliers, maintain health standards, and lead culinary staff to deliver a consistent dining experience.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Waterloo, ON?

The most popular types of Chef jobs in Waterloo, ON are:

What are popular job titles related to Executive Chef jobs in Waterloo, ON?

For Executive Chef jobs in Waterloo, ON, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Executive Chef jobs in Waterloo, ON look for?

The top searched job categories for Executive Chef jobs in Waterloo, ON are:

What cities near Waterloo, ON are hiring for Executive Chef jobs?

Cities near Waterloo, ON with the most Executive Chef job openings:

Infographic showing various Executive Chef job openings in Waterloo, ON as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,636 per year, or $31.6 per hour.

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Department: Student and Ancillary Servicesย 

Job Type: Continuing

Full-time/Part-time: Full Time (>=1249 hrs/year)ย 

Campus: Waterlooย 

Reports to: Executive Chef, FSD, Chef manager

Employee Group: UFCWย 

Application Deadline: Open until filled

Requisition ID: 11639ย 

Wilfrid Laurier University is a leading multi-campus university that excels at educating with purpose. Through its exceptional employees, students, researchers, leaders, and educators, Laurier has built a reputation as a world-class institution known for its rich student experience, academic excellence, and global impact. With a commitment to Indigenization and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, Laurier's thriving community has a place for everyone.

Laurier has more than 21,000 students and 2,100 faculty and staff across campuses in Waterloo and Brantford, as well locations in Kitchener and Milton. The university is committed to providing an inclusive workplace, a flexible work policy and employing a workforce that is reflective of local and national demographics. Laurier's Waterloo, Kitchener, and Brantford campuses are located on the shared traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnaabe, and Haudenosaunee peoples. This land is part of the Dish with One Spoon Treaty between the Haudenosaunee and Anishnaabe peoples and symbolizes the agreement to share, protect our resources, and not to engage in conflict. Laurier's Milton campus is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, and part of the Nanfan Treaty of 1701 between the British Crown and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

This job posting is for a current vacancy.

Please note: To be eligible for employment, you must reside in the province/territory that the position is located, and must be able to attend campus as part of your regular work schedule.ย 

Position Summary

At Laurier, we are a community. It's what brings our students here and what keeps our people here. As an educational institution, we inspire lives of leadership and purpose in our student community. As an employer, we seek, foster and value the same qualities of leadership and purpose in our community. Within Food Services, our commitment is to provide the highest quality foods, prepared right in front of your eyes by friendly, energetic people in an open and eelaxing atmosphere.

Reporting to the Executive Chef, this position involves coordinating the daily food production tasks and duties as they relate to the overall operation of the Fresh Food Company (FFCo) and catered events. This includes training and assisting Food Service Associates in all locations, as required. The incumbent will also adhere to departmental standards for cleaning, Health & Safety standards, equipment maintenance, safe food handling and customer service. In the absence of the Manager, the incumbent may assist with food purchasing and production coverage.

It should be understood that, as Culinary Lead Hand, your presence at certain catering events may be required. This may include evening and weekend work. Your work schedule may be modified to keep you within specified hours.

Accountabilities

Food Prepration and Production

  • Food preparation, presentation technique and adherence to quality standards
  • Preparation, presentation and execution of upscale caterings, as necessary
  • Perform quality checks on all refrigerated products to ensure food safety and food waste prevention
  • Maintain budgeted food cost percentage
  • Complete food purchasing requisitions and inventory as required
  • Communicate with customers, clients and employees in a professional manner
  • Coordinate all food production, ensuring proper portion control, waste management, recipe compliance and food program standards are being followed, reporting any concerns to the Executive Chef
  • Ensure maintenance and proper cleaning of kitchen equipment, reporting any issues to the Executive Chef
  • In consultation with the Culinary Management team:
    • Coordinate daily food production and assignment of tasks
    • Menu development and changes where required
  • Ensure culinary team is using proper PPE as required

Team Lead

  • Ensure assigned cleaning duties performed by all stations
  • Track any performance concerns/issues with production team
  • Assist on stations as required
  • Coordinate all food production, ensuring proper portion control, waste management, recipe compliance and food program standards are being followed
  • Ensure FFCo procedures and standards are followed by all employees
  • Train, coach and assist employees in station efficiency/cooking techniques and new skills and procedures
  • Ensure the FFCo Merchandising standards and station set ups are completed for each meal period
  • Train new culinary employees on standards and accountabilities
  • Assign production team responsibilities and ensure they are on track
  • Ensure team understands dietary in recipes they are producing and follow plans
  • Ensure team is following recipe compliance

Policies and Procedures

  • Follow and adhere to all food services policies and procedures, including, but not limited to:
    • FIFO and Day Dot practices
    • Food temperature checks
    • Quality checking (i.e. expiration dates)
    • Food Fundamentals (QA Assessments, Waste Audits)
  • Adhere to all government/University policies and legislation, including but not limited to:
    • Food Safety and Sanitation
    • Occupational Health and Safety
    • Workers Compensation
    • Employment Standards
    • Human Rights & Labour Law and Harassment
Qualifications
  • Red Seal Cook Certification
  • Minimum 2 years supervisory or team lead experience
  • Exceptional communication skills (both written and verbal)
  • Excellent time management skills and a high attention to detail
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Team orientated
  • Continuously striving for improvement
  • Knowledge of WHMIS and HACCP
  • Food Handling Certificate
  • Ability to lift 10 - 60 pounds
Compensation

$24.50 - $26.30 per hourย 

Hours of Work

The Food Services operation is a seven day a week operation and you may be occasionally required to work outside your regularly scheduled work hours. This position is subject to lay-off in December, reading weeks and mid-April to September every year.

This is a full-time position, with a maximum of forty (40) paid hours per week and a maximum of eight (8) paid hours per day. This position is represented by the United Food & Commercial Workers Canada (UFCW) bargaining unit.

Wilfrid Laurier University endeavors to fill positions with qualified candidates who have a combination of education, experience, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position while demonstrating Laurier's Employee Success Factors.

Equity, diversity and creating a culture of inclusion are part of Laurier's core values and central to the Laurier Strategy. Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from candidates who identify as Indigenous, racialized, having disabilities, and from persons of any minority sexual and gender identities. Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives. Candidates from other equity deserving groups who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact Equity & Accessibility. We have strived to make our application process accessible, however if you require any assistance applying for a position or would like this job posting in an alternative format, please contact Human Resources. Contact information can be found atย careers.wlu.ca/content/How-to-apply/

Should you be interested in learning more about this opportunity, please visitย www.wlu.ca/careersย for additional information and the online application system. All applications must be submitted online. Please note, a resume and cover letter will be required in electronic form.

Please note, when pre-screening questions are used as part of the application process, AI is utilized to score responses. All other aspects of the hiring process are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team.