Executive Chef

Executive Chef

Full-Time — Salary · $70,000 – $90,000 CAD / year (based on experience) · Upriver Landing · 9254 Nowell Street, Chilliwack BC

About Upriver Landing

Upriver Landing is a new upscale casual farm-to-table restaurant opening in downtown Chilliwack, BC at 9254 Nowell Street. We are built around a simple idea: buy the best ingredients from the Fraser Valley, and then get out of their way.

Our menu celebrates what grows, swims, and grazes within 100 kilometres of our kitchen — BC salmon, Fraser Valley lamb, Chilliwack berries, locally made burrata. We cook with intention and serve with genuine warmth.

Our name says it all. Going upriver means moving against the easy current — toward something wilder, truer, and more nourishing. That spirit lives in every plate we send out, and in every person who is part of this team.

Job Type

Full-Time, Permanent — Salaried

Start Date

Immediately — this is a founding role

Schedule

Tuesday–Sunday. Evenings + weekends required. Weekend brunch included.

Location

9254 Nowell Street, Downtown Chilliwack, BC — in-person only

Reports To

Owner / Operator

THE ROLE

This is a founding position. The Head Chef of Upriver Landing will build the kitchen from the ground up — hiring the team, developing the menu with the owner, establishing all kitchen systems, and setting the standard for everything that comes out of the pass.

This is not a role for someone looking for a job. This is a role for someone looking for a home.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Lead all kitchen operations for 60-seat upscale casual service, Tuesday–Sunday, plus weekend brunch

• Develop and refine the seasonal menu alongside the owner — farm-to-table, Fraser Valley-sourced

• Hire, train, and mentor the full kitchen brigade (Sous Chef, Line Cooks, Prep Cooks, Kitchen Porters)

• Build and maintain relationships with Fraser Valley suppliers (Driediger Farms, Rocky Ridge Farm, Pacific Wild Seafood, and others)

• Own food cost and kitchen labour cost — target 28–32% food cost

• Write weekly prep lists, order guides, and mise en place standards

• Ensure full Fraser Health compliance at all times — HACCP logs, food safety, sanitation

• Create and maintain the kitchen recipe book and staff training materials

• Be the standard-bearer: cook with intention, taste constantly, take pride in every plate

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• 5+ years of professional kitchen experience, with at least 2 years in a Head Chef or senior chef role

• Strong knowledge of Canadian seafood, particularly BC salmon, halibut, sablefish, and shellfish

• Experience with farm-to-table, seasonal, or locally sourced cooking concepts

• Proven ability to manage food cost, write prep lists, and run a clean, organized kitchen

• FOODSAFE Level 2 (or Level 1 + commitment to obtain Level 2 within 60 days)

• Experience with pasta making, butchery, or whole-animal cookery is a significant asset

• A genuine passion for the Fraser Valley and BC food culture

• Calm under pressure, kind to your team, direct with feedback

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary: $70,000 – $90,000 based on experience

• Founding team opportunity — you shape this kitchen from day one

• Creative freedom to evolve the menu with the seasons and your vision

• A dining room that respects the kitchen: no shortcuts, no compromises

• Staff meals, industry discounts, and a genuine community of people who care about food

• Potential equity / profit-sharing discussion for the right long-term candidate

HOW TO APPLY

We would love to hear from you. Send us:

• Your resume (PDF preferred)

• A brief note about why Upriver excites you — we read every one

• Any relevant certifications (FOODSAFE, Serving It Right, etc.)

Email: [Insert hiring email] · Subject line: [Position Name] Application

We will contact shortlisted candidates within 1 week. Successful candidates will be invited for a paid working trial shift.