Pathway to Executive Sous Chef (18–24 Months) - The Second in Command of the Kitchen

Explorer Hotel – Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

The Explorer Hotel, Yellowknife’s premier full service hotel, is seeking a highly experienced Sous Chef to join our culinary leadership team. This role offers a defined development pathway to Executive Sous Chef within 18–24 months, supported through structured mentorship and transitional leadership training.

This opportunity is ideal for a career driven culinary professional with a strong classical foundation who is ready to take the next step in leadership within a unique northern operating environment.

The Opportunity

As Sous Chef, you will play a key leadership role in daily kitchen operations, culinary execution, and team development. The successful candidate will be mentored by senior culinary leadership and progressively assume expanded responsibility in preparation for advancement to Executive Sous Chef.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Executive Chef and senior kitchen leadership in daily operations
• Lead food preparation and service execution across menus and events
• Maintain high standards in:
• Classical European cuisine
• Sauce making and foundational culinary techniques
• Supervise, train, and mentor kitchen team members
• Ensure food quality, consistency, and presentation standards
• Support menu development, food costing, and inventory control
• Enforce food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards
• Participate in leadership development and transition planning

Required Qualifications

• Red Seal Cook Certification – Mandatory
• Formal training in classical European cuisine
• Advanced knowledge of sauce making and culinary staples
• Minimum 10 years of professional kitchen experience
• Proven leadership experience in a high volume, professional kitchen
• Strong communication, organization, and team development skills
• Ability to succeed in a fast paced, high accountability environment

Bonus Qualifications

• Previous experience working in Northern Canada or other remote environments is considered a strong asset, particularly experience managing logistics, staffing challenges, and operating constraints unique to northern regions.

Career Development Path

• Structured mentorship and leadership transition plan
• Expanded responsibilities over 18–24 months
• Opportunity to advance into the Executive Sous Chef role based on performance and readiness

Location & Relocation

• Position is based in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
• Relocation to Yellowknife is required
• Working in the North offers a unique leadership experience with high operational impact and strong community connection

Immigration & Work Eligibility

• Employer sponsorship is not provided for this position
• Candidates may be considered only if eligible under the Francophone Mobility Program
• Applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada

Why Join the Explorer Hotel

• Be part of one of Northern Canada’s most respected hotel kitchens
• Work within a leadership team that prioritizes mentorship and succession planning
• Gain experience in a complex, high profile hospitality operation serving government, airline, healthcare, and community clients