Group Executive Chef

Azhadi Vineyards is a new destination winery under construction and scheduled to open Fall 2025 in Kelowna, BC.  Azhadi Vineyards is a privately held company within the Azhadi Group, a group of companies which develops and operates wineries and vineyards throughout the Okanagan Valley, including the established Ex Nihilo Vineyards in Lake Country, BC.

Position Summary

Azhadi Group is seeking a visionary, globally inspired Group Executive Chef to lead the culinary programs at both Azhadi Vineyards and Ex Nihilo Vineyards. This is a rare opportunity to help shape the identity of a new, landmark winery restaurant, while also guiding and mentoring an established culinary team at Ex Nihilo.

More than a kitchen leader, the ideal candidate is a cultural collaborator, a creative leader, and a team builder. You are someone who understands how global cuisine where East meets West can create connection, evoke emotion, and elevate a wine focused experience. You value partnership and mutual respect and see your role as part of a greater whole working in lockstep with the operations, hospitality, vineyard, and marketing teams to create something truly exceptional.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Vision & Execution

• Define and execute a culinary identity for Azhadi Vineyards rooted in global influences and thoughtful wine pairings.
• Create menus that reflect seasonality, regional sourcing, and cross-cultural storytelling on the plate.
• Maintain a strong, hands-on presence in both kitchens, upholding consistency, innovation, and excellence.
• Collaborate with the winemaking and hospitality teams to craft integrated guest experiences.

Leadership & Culture

• Hire, lead, and mentor kitchen teams across both properties, fostering a culture of mutual respect, discipline, and creativity.
• Model clear communication, humility, and a team-first mindset in all interactions.
• Champion a collaborative spirit with all departments not just within culinary, but across the business.
• Serve as a unifying presence across Azhadi and Ex Nihilo, ensuring team alignment with brand values and goals.

Business & Strategic Contribution

• Work closely with the Director of Operations and broader leadership team to align culinary programs with company objectives.
• Contribute to budgeting, cost controls, forecasting, and strategic planning across both properties.
• Manage vendor relationships and sourcing partnerships, with a focus on quality, sustainability, and innovation.
• Oversee inventory, labor, food costing, and equipment maintenance.

Guest Experience & Brand Representation

• Represent the culinary program in media, partnerships, events, and community interactions.
• Participate in cross-functional planning for wine club dinners, tastings, weddings, and signature events.
• Bring a hospitality-forward mindset to every touchpoint creating food experiences that match the emotional depth and refinement of the brands.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience as an Executive Chef in a fine dining or wine-focused setting; multi-site or launch experience preferred.
• Deep appreciation for global cuisines, and how they intersect with local terroir and wine.
• WSET Level 2 or strong wine knowledge required.
• Culinary diploma or equivalent; BC Food Safe Certification required.
• Proven strength in team leadership, training, and performance development.
• Strong financial and operational acumen.
• Comfortable working collaboratively with diverse stakeholders across departments.
• Adaptable, humble, and emotionally intelligent.
• Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends, and key seasonal dates.
• Must have reliable transportation and be legally eligible to work in Canada.