Posted 1 hour ago
Head Chef
Ellipsis – Vancouver
Ellipsis is a dual-bar hospitality concept located in Vancouver’s iconic Waterfall Building.
We operate a coffee-forward daytime program and a cocktail-driven evening service, with food designed to complement both experiences.
We are seeking an Executive Head Chef who can lead the kitchen strategically, operationally, and culturally — while aligning culinary excellence with business performance.
The Role
The Head Chef at Ellipsis is both a culinary leader and a strategic partner.
You will lead the kitchen team, shape the food direction, and collaborate closely with our bar and leadership team to ensure that food and beverage elevate one another.
This is not just about executing dishes.
It is about building a culture, refining systems, and contributing to the long-term success of the business.
What We Are Looking ForLeadership & Team Development
Proven ability to lead, mentor, and inspire a kitchen team
Strong communication skills and emotional intelligence
Ability to create a collaborative, accountable, and respectful work environment
Comfortable giving and receiving feedback
Operational & Business Understanding
Deep understanding of food costing, labour control, inventory systems, and profitability
Ability to align menu development with business performance
Experience building systems that support consistency and scalability
Comfortable reviewing KPIs and adjusting strategies accordingly
Creative Collaboration
Openness to co-create with our bar team
Ability to design a food program that complements a dual coffee & cocktail concept
Strong sense of seasonality, balance, and restraint
Interest in pairing, progression, and experience design
Growth Mindset
Commitment to continuous improvement
Willingness to refine, test, and evolve
Desire to build something long-term — not just run a service
What Success Looks Like
A kitchen culture rooted in ownership, respect, and collaboration
A menu that feels intentional, refined, and aligned with the Ellipsis identity
Healthy food cost and labour management
A team that grows professionally and takes pride in their craft
Key Responsibilities1. Leadership & Culture
Lead, structure, and develop a high-performing kitchen team
Establish accountability, discipline, and professional standards
Build a culture aligned with ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement
Mentor emerging leaders within the kitchen
2. Operational & Financial Performance
Oversee food cost, labour cost, and inventory management
Develop systems to ensure consistency, efficiency, and scalability
Monitor KPIs and adjust operational strategies accordingly
Drive profitability while maintaining quality standards
Candidates must demonstrate strong knowledge of:
Budgeting & forecasting
COGS optimization
Labour modelling
Vendor negotiations
Menu engineering
3. Strategic Culinary Direction
Design a food program that complements a dual coffee & cocktail operation
Collaborate closely with the bar team on pairing and concept alignment
Balance creativity with operational feasibility
Ensure menu evolution reflects seasonality and performance data
Ideal Candidate Profile
5+ years in senior kitchen leadership roles
Experience in independent or concept-driven restaurants
Strong understanding of hospitality business operations
Comfortable operating within financial targets
Calm under pressure, structured in execution
Confident communicator across departments
You understand that great food must also perform.
Compensation & Growth Opportunity
Ellipsis is committed to building long-term leadership partnerships.
We offer:
Competitive executive-level salary 75k+ (commensurate with experience)
Performance-based bonus structure tied to food cost, labour targets, and revenue growth
Potential profit-sharing model based on overall business performance
Long-term growth pathway within expanding concepts
At Ellipsis, we curate experiences that blend coffee, cocktails, and meaningful moments. Our space invites guests to slow down and reconnect through great drinks, thoughtful design, and genuine hospitality. We operate as a café by day and a cocktail bar by night, complemented by a refined brunch menu served from our kitchen.
At Ellipsis, we curate experiences that blend coffee, cocktails, and meaningful moments. Our space invites guests to slow down and reconnect through great drinks, thoughtful design, and genuine hospitality. We operate as a café by day and a cocktail bar by night, complemented by a refined brunch menu served from our kitchen.
