Private Residence Sous Chef

Westerkirk•Victoria, BC

27d•Onsite

About The Position

The Private Residence Sous Chef works directly under the supervision of the Private Chef to support the day-to-day culinary operations across the family’s properties. This role is an integral part of the household team, assisting with meal preparation, kitchen organization, and the delivery of an exceptional dining experience for the Principals, their family, and guests. This is a full-time live out position. The normal work schedule will be 40 hours per week; however, the successful candidate must be flexible with the willingness to work evenings, weekends and holidays. In addition, while most of the time will be spent supporting the Principals and associated family located in Victoria, B.C., additional travel to alternate properties may be required. This role reports directly to the Private Chef, who holds overall responsibility for menu planning, culinary direction, and kitchen management. The Sous Chef’s primary function is to support and extend the Private Chef’s capabilities — executing their vision with precision and taking ownership of delegated tasks. When the Private Chef is off-duty or travelling, the Sous Chef seamlessly assumes responsibility for kitchen operations, maintaining the same standards independently.

Requirements

Culinary training from a recognized institution or equivalent professional experience.
Minimum 3–5 years of culinary experience, with at least 2 years in a private household, fine dining, or similarly high-standard environment.
Demonstrated proficiency in a wide range of cooking techniques and cuisines.
Knowledge of and strict adherence to complex dietary requirements, including: Gluten-free and dairy-free, Keto and low-carb, Low histamine, Anti-inflammatory / autoimmune protocols, Organic, preservative-free, and chemical-free, Cooking for young children (age-appropriate, nutritious, appealing), Creative and tasteful ingredient substitutions.
Valid Class 5 driver’s license, clean driver’s abstract, and access to a reliable vehicle.
Highly collaborative; able to take direction well and work smoothly as part of a close-knit kitchen and household team.
Capable of working independently and taking full ownership of kitchen operations when the Private Chef is absent.
Exceptional organizational and time-management skills; able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Calm and adaptable under pressure; able to handle last-minute changes with grace and good humour.
Service-oriented, proactive, and a self-starter with strong attention to detail.
Excellent interpersonal skills with written and verbal English communication.
Ability to maintain privacy, confidentiality, discretion, and professional boundaries.
Comfortable working in a home with pets and young children.
Strong computer proficiency (MS Word, Excel, Outlook or equivalents) for inventory and communication tasks.
Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.
Must be available to travel to alternate properties as required.
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and additional hours as requested.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in a sous chef or senior line cook capacity is strongly preferred.
A Serving It Right, Food Safe, Silver Service or Sommelier certification is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Assists the Private Chef in preparing fresh, high-quality meals daily for the family, adhering to frequently changing dietary restrictions and food allergies (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Keto, Low Histamine, Anti-Inflammatory/Autoimmune, Organic & Preservative/Chemical-Free) as well as preferences for young children.
Executes assigned components of menus for daily family meals, dinner parties, and events with consistency, attention to detail, and culinary skill.
Prepares appetizers, snacks, sauces, salad dressings, and healthy accompaniments in accordance with all dietary requirements for family meetings and events.
Prepares pre-made or quick meals for time-off periods and readies the kitchen ahead of the Private Chef’s return.
Assists with end-to-end catering for flights and off-site events as directed.
Prepares meals for extended family members and guests as required.
Serves tea and other beverages to the Principals and family throughout the day as requested.
Collaborates with the Private Chef on menu planning, offering creative input and ensuring alignment with the family’s tastes, preferences, and evolving dietary needs.
Independently plans and executes meals when covering for the Private Chef, ensuring continuity and quality.
Understands the family’s taste and preferences and incorporates suggested feedback from the Private Chef and the family in meal preparations.
Manages formal and informal table settings to meet the Principals’ standards, under direction from the Private Chef.
Clears and cleans dishes after meals, including loading/unloading dishwashers, washing dishes by hand, cleaning countertops and tables, and sweeping/mopping all kitchen areas across multiple residences.
Monitors and maintains all kitchen equipment; performs routine upkeep including knife sharpening.
Conducts weekly checks of fridges, freezers, and pantries; organizes and rotates stock as needed.
Maintains food & beverage inventory lists.
Monitors inventories, stocking and maintaining food & beverages as required.
Monitors and stocks all canning inventories needed for the canning season.
Assists with grocery shopping and other personal household errands as needed.
Sets up food and beverage items in guest suites and event spaces as required.
Provides attentive service during family meals and events with professionalism and discretion.
Communicates regularly with the Private Chef regarding upcoming events, guest arrivals, dietary changes, and family schedule.
Assists family members or other household team members with cooking or kitchen support as required.
Performs all other duties as assigned.