We are seeking a highly skilled and passionate Italian Chef to lead our bakery division. This is not a baker s position, but a culinary leadership role focused on developing, executing, and innovating authentic Italian-inspired bakery items including breads, pastries, and desserts with fine-dining standards of flavor, quality, and presentation.

The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of Italian culinary heritage, mastery of bakery-related techniques, and the creativity to elevate traditional recipes into memorable experiences for our customers.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an authentic Italian bakery menu, featuring premium breads (focaccia, ciabatta, grissini), pastries (cannoli, cornetti, sfogliatella), and desserts (tiramisu, crostata, panna cotta).
• Design and innovate new items blending Italian tradition with modern culinary techniques.
• Oversee day-to-day kitchen operations for the bakery section ensuring product consistency, quality control, and adherence to food safety standards.
• Lead, train, and mentor kitchen staff on Italian recipes, plating standards, and preparation methods.
• Collaborate with management on seasonal offerings, menu engineering, and cost control.
• Ensure compliance with Canadian food safety and hygiene standards (HACCP / CFIA).
• Source and maintain relationships with premium suppliers for authentic Italian ingredients.

Requirements

• Diploma or degree in Culinary Arts or equivalent from a recognized institution.
• 5 7 years of experience as an Italian Chef, with proven expertise in bakery-style culinary operations (not limited to baking).
• Deep understanding of Italian cuisine regional specialties, techniques, and presentation styles.
• Strong leadership, team management, and time management skills.
• Ability to balance creativity with operational efficiency.
• Excellent communication and organization skills.

Preferred Experience

• Prior experience in a premium bakery caf , Italian restaurant, or hotel kitchen.
• Familiarity with both traditional and modern Italian baking techniques.
• Exposure to North American hospitality standards is an asset.
• Experience training multicultural teams in a high-performance kitchen environment.

Compensation

Competitive salary based on experience, plus benefits and performance incentives.