Group Executive Chef
(Sommelier and Chef Jobs:
Restaurants)
Full Time
Azhadi Vineyards
Kelowna,
British Columbia
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.
