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Head Chef Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

Head Chef, Lodge at Arrow Lakes Company Name: The Lodge at Arrow Lakes, a branch of CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures Reports To: Hotel Manager Location of Work: Nakusp, British Columbia Job Status ...

Head Chef, Lodge at Arrow Lakes Company Name: The Lodge at Arrow Lakes, a branch of CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures Reports To: Hotel Manager Location of Work: Nakusp, British Columbia Job Status ...

Head Chef, Lodge at Arrow Lakes Company Name: The Lodge at Arrow Lakes, a branch of CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures Reports To: Hotel Manager Location of Work: Nakusp, British Columbia Job Status ...

Head Chef, Lodge at Arrow Lakes Company Name: The Lodge at Arrow Lakes, a branch of CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures Reports To: Hotel Manager Location of Work: Nakusp, British Columbia Job Status ...

Head Chef, Lodge at Arrow Lakes Company Name: The Lodge at Arrow Lakes, a branch of CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures Reports To: Hotel Manager Location of Work: Nakusp, British Columbia Job Status ...

Head Chef, Lodge at Arrow Lakes Company Name: The Lodge at Arrow Lakes, a branch of CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures Reports To: Hotel Manager Location of Work: Nakusp, British Columbia Job Status ...

Head Chef, Lodge at Arrow Lakes Company Name: The Lodge at Arrow Lakes, a branch of CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures Reports To: Hotel Manager Location of Work: Nakusp, British Columbia Job Status ...

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We're looking for a passionate, reliable Head Chef who takes pride in producing exceptional food while helping us build one of Calgary's most exciting food brands. This isn't just another kitchen job.

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Head Chef information

See Alberta salary details

$24K

$53.3K

$79K

How much do head chef jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for head chef in Alberta is $53,268.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,500.00 and $61,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a head chef?

To thrive as a Head Chef, you need advanced culinary skills, menu planning expertise, and several years of professional kitchen experience, often supported by a degree or certification in culinary arts. Familiarity with kitchen management systems, inventory software, and food safety certifications like ServSafe is typically required. Strong leadership, creativity, and effective communication are essential soft skills for managing a team and fostering a positive kitchen environment. These competencies ensure consistent food quality, efficient operations, and a motivated staff, all critical for a successful kitchen.

What are some of the main challenges head chefs face in managing kitchen operations?

Head Chefs often face the challenge of balancing high-quality food preparation with efficient kitchen management, especially during busy service periods. They must coordinate and motivate a diverse team, ensure food safety standards are consistently met, and adapt quickly to supply chain or staffing issues. Effective communication and strong organizational skills are essential, as the Head Chef is responsible for both the culinary output and the smooth operation of the kitchen. Successfully overcoming these challenges can lead to greater leadership opportunities within the hospitality industry.

How much do head chefs get paid?

Head chefs typically earn between $45,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on the location, restaurant size, and experience. Salaries can be higher in upscale establishments or major cities, and many head chefs also receive benefits and bonuses based on performance.

What is the difference between Head Chef vs Sous Chef?

AspectHead ChefSous Chef
CredentialsCooking certifications, culinary degrees often preferredSimilar credentials, often with experience in kitchens
Work EnvironmentOversees entire kitchen, manages staffAssists Head Chef, manages specific sections
Industry UsageLeads kitchen operations in restaurants, hotelsSupports Head Chef, second-in-command
Search & ComparisonOften searched with Sous Chef for role distinctionsCommonly compared to Head Chef for hierarchy understanding

The Head Chef is responsible for the overall kitchen management, menu creation, and staff supervision, while the Sous Chef acts as the second-in-command, assisting the Head Chef and managing specific kitchen sections. Both roles require culinary expertise and certifications, but the Head Chef holds the primary leadership position.

Is a head chef a stressful job?

A head chef role is often considered stressful due to high-pressure environments, long hours, and the need to manage kitchen staff and ensure food quality. The job requires strong organizational skills, resilience, and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Stress levels can vary depending on the establishment's size and workload.

What is a head chef?

A head chef oversees the kitchen of a restaurant or other dining facility. They are the top of the chef chain-of-command in most establishments; larger restaurants have an executive chef above the head chef. As head chef, you control inventory and order supplies to ensure they are replenished, develop menu items, and train and manage staff. While you may supervise the cooking and completion of dishes in the kitchen, the day-to-day operations are usually handled by someone lower down the chef hierarchy, such as the sous chef.

What are the most commonly searched types of Chef jobs in Alberta? The most popular types of Chef jobs in Alberta are:
What are popular job titles related to Head Chef jobs in Alberta? For Head Chef jobs in Alberta, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Head Chef jobs in Alberta look for? The top searched job categories for Head Chef jobs in Alberta are:
What cities in Alberta are hiring for Head Chef jobs? Cities in Alberta with the most Head Chef job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Head Chef jobs in AB? For Head Chef jobs in AB, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Head Chef job openings in Alberta as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,268 per year, or $25.6 per hour.

Full-time

Medical, Dental, PTO

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Year Round
Why join CMH?
We work hard, we play hard, and we have the best time doing it. Our mission is to guide our staff and guests through life-changing mountain experiences, and our vision is to be recognized as the world leader of guided mountain experiences - by our guests, our employees, our partners, and our communities. We're all drawn to CMH for different reasons, but we stay for the people-both employees and guests-who are brought together by a unique shared passion for skiing, riding, the mountain world, and life in general. CMH is where mountain magic happens!
Things that are important to us:
  • Safety as a cornerstone.
  • Share our passion - every day.
  • Always act with integrity.
  • We work as a team.
  • Aim for best.
  • Balance our social, fiscal, and environmental responsibilities.

Things that are important to you:
  • The opportunity to build lifelong friendships with staff and guests from around the world.
  • Working for a company that stands behind its mission, vision, and values.
  • An inclusive and rewarding company culture where employees are valued and supported.
  • Explore and work at a world-class mountain destination.
  • Enjoy meals created by culinary professionals that incorporate fresh, local ingredients.
  • Work with hospitality professionals that take pride in providing a high-end guest experience.
  • An opportunity to grow and learn in a work environment that promotes feedback and development.
  • Discounts with brand partners and on CMH merchandise.
  • Opportunities to heli-hike and heli-ski, as available.

CMH is honored to operate in the traditional territories of the Ktunaxa, Secwépemc, Syilx, Sinixt, Carrier (Dakelh), and Stoney Nakoda Nations.
Position Title: Head Chef, Lodge at Arrow Lakes
Company Name: The Lodge at Arrow Lakes, a branch of CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures
Reports To: Hotel Manager
Location of Work: Nakusp, British Columbia
Job Status: Full-time, Year Round
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Number of Positions: 1
Direct Reports: <10>
Date of Last Review: July 2026
Anticipated Start Date: August 2026
Company Overview
With 60+ years of experience, CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures has evolved into the world’s largest Heli-Skiing and Heli-Hiking company, operating 11 lodges in the winter and 3 in the summer throughout British Columbia, Canada. The business’s central office is in Banff, Alberta, Canada.
CMH Heli-Skiing & Summer Adventures is privileged to operate in the traditional territories of the Ktunaxa, Secwépemc, Syilx, Sinixt, Carrier (Dakelh), and Stoney Nakoda Nations.
The CMH Mission is to guide our staff and guests through life changing mountain experiences.
Our Vision is to be recognized as the world leader of guided mountain experiences - by our guests, our employees, our partners, and our communities.
Our Principles:
  • Safety as a cornerstone
  • Share our passion - every day
  • Always act with integrity
  • We work as a team
  • Aim for best
  • Balance our social, fiscal, and environmental responsibilities

Position Overview
The Head Chef is responsible for supervising the culinary team and delivering high-quality meals for both the Tavern and Heli-Ski operation. You will also oversee creative menu design, food preparation and quality control for all meals.
The ideal candidate will have Red Seal Chef Certification, or equivalent, with experience managing a kitchen team. A passion for creative and high-end casual dining entrees for our evening menu. The ideal candidate will have a keen interest in collaborating with members of management to ensure the overall success of the business.
Along with a year-round hotel, pub, and dining room, The Lodge at Arrow Lakes is also host to the CMH Kootenay Heli-Skiing operation during winter months. To learn more about The Lodge at Arrow Lakes, please visit the website: The Lodge at Arrow Lakes
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Manage day-to-day operations of the kitchen staff including hiring, training, evaluating and scheduling.
  • Oversee all stages of food handling to ensure quality and cleanliness.
  • Plan and facilitate meetings to coordinate menus with members of the culinary team.
  • Enforce policies and procedures, OH standards, and safe food handling practices.
  • Complete food orders, inventory controls and food rotations.
  • Manage food inventories and food costing on menu items.
  • Plan creative, seasonal menus that make use of fresh, local ingredients, and conduct menu costing.
  • Respond to guest requests and food restrictions in an attentive and accommodating manner.
  • Maintain a professional manner, appearance, and work area.
  • Work cooperatively and professionally with front-of-house staff to provide exceptional guest experiences.
  • Willingness to assist other members of the lodge team as needed.
  • Help support implementation of CMH health and safety initiatives.
  • Help support implementation of CMH sustainability initiatives.
  • Train, participate in and provide support, as required, during emergency response situations.
  • Support guests and employees in the field program during area visits, as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Culinary diploma or certificate.
  • Red Seal Chef.
  • Food Safe Certification.
  • 3-5 years of Culinary Management experience with varied exposure.
  • 2+ years’ experience in menu planning and execution.
  • Background in luxury hospitality or fine dining, preferred.

Competencies, Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Qualities
  • Able to openly receive and act on feedback.
  • Takes initiative and demonstrates the ability to make quick, informed decisions.
  • Uses industry and company expertise to advance CMH’s goals and values while enhancing the guest experience.
  • Is inclusive of differences in people and perspectives to best serve employees and guests.
  • A passion for customer service excellence and providing a high-end guest experience.
  • Demonstrates integrity, discretion, and problem solving.
  • Has demonstrated attention-to-detail, with accurate data-entry skills and abilities.
  • Able to communicate in an effective and timely manner over the phone, in-person, and in written communication.
  • Positive and collaborative working style with an ability to build meaningful relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
  • Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and professional working relationships with peers.
  • Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office, as well as an ability to learn other relevant software platforms.
  • Able to prioritize tasks in a complex and fast-paced environment with seasonal workload fluctuations and changing priorities.
  • Confidence to interact with all levels of the company in a hub-and-spoke model in which many individuals are remote.
  • Trustworthy, goal-oriented, respectful, and self-directed in completing the core functions of the role.
  • Sees projects through to completion including follow-up on any identified issues.
  • Strong sense of work ethic and accountability, with an ability to function well in a team environment and focus on team success.
  • Effectively prioritize tasks, responsibilities, and goals; use goals to guide actions and create detailed action plans.

Working Conditions
This type of culinary work is challenging and demanding. Successful staff are intrinsically motivated by a passion for food service and creating memorable experiences with our guests.
  • Able to lift, carry, or otherwise move and position up to 50 pounds regularly.
  • Manual dexterity to operate a computer and other common office equipment on a daily basis.
  • This position will be required to work weekends and holidays based on the needs of the business, seasonal workloads, and hotel/restaurant bookings.
  • CMH is committed to developing a rich culture, a diverse workforce, and a healthy work environment in which every employee is treated fairly and respected. Each employee will contribute to the company's success while also having the opportunity to achieve their full potential as individuals.

Other Duties as Assigned
This position description is an overview of the scope of responsibilities for the role described above. With the evolution of CMH, the responsibilities of this position may change, as may the details that are associated with many of the tasks. During these times of change, this position requires the flexibility and willingness to accept new responsibilities and potentially transfer others. It will also be the responsibility of any employee of CMH to be a positive influence on the transformation of our products and associated lines of business.
Compensation
A competitive compensation package will be provided including an annualized base salary between $62,000-68,000 per year which is based upon qualifications, experience, and skill set. Further details will be discussed in a personal interview.
Benefits and Perks:
  • Health and dental benefits after 90-days.
  • Group Savings Plan eligibility after the 90-days.
  • Paid personal/sick and vacation days.
  • CMH Ski Pass Program.
  • IKON Pass Benefits.
  • Pro deal affiliations with Brand Partners.
  • Opportunities to heli-hike and heli-ski, as available.

**CMH is an equal opportunity employer**