Head Chef

We’re looking for a highly motivated, experienced Head Chef to lead our team in Winnipeg. This role is all about inspiring and guiding our kitchen crew while upholding the highest standards of food quality, safety, and efficiency, and fostering our one dream one team mentality. You’ll bring strong leadership, proven industry experience, and a passion for creating exceptional food experiences that our guests love.

Ready to lead a team, run a kitchen, and take real ownership of your business?

This isn’t just a management role - it’s your opportunity to build, lead, and grow a high-performing kitchen while developing the skills to take your career to the next level.

At Leo’s, you’re not just managing - you’re driving performance, building culture, and developing future leaders. You’ll have a direct impact on the success of your team, your kitchen, and your location.

What you’ll gain working at Leo’s:

• Full leadership experience managing people, performance, and culture
• Hands-on ownership of inventory, labour, and cost control
• The ability to build, coach, and develop a strong BOH team
• Real business acumen — understanding how a kitchen operates profitably
• Experience that prepares you for senior leadership and multi-unit roles

What’s in it for you?

Leo’s Livin’ Perks

• Competitive Wages – Excellent pay based on experience, ability, and availability
• Perkopolis – Access to discounts on everyday purchases and entertainment
• Wealthsimple GRSP Options – Plan for your future with employer-supported options
• Awesome Tips – Busy bars + loyal guests = big rewards for FOH & BOH
• Employee Benefits – Choose a package that fits your lifestyle
• Day-One Benefits – No waiting period for new hires
• Discounts – Up to 50% off food, drinks, and merch for all staff, plus free meals for BOH & managers
• Flexible Scheduling – We’ll work with you, whether part-time or career-building
• Mental Health Support – Partnerships with groups to ensure you get the help you need
• Career Growth – Opportunities to grow into management and Support Team roles
• Gym Discounts – 25% off GoodLife memberships + $0 sign-up fee
• Home Internet & Cell Discounts – Thanks to our partnership with Rogers
• Staff Events – Western Canada–wide staff parties and gatherings throughout the year
• Free Leo’s Gear – Clothing, gear, and internal giveaways

What You’ll Be Doing

Specific Responsibilities, including but not limited to:

• Manage daily operations under the direction of the Regional Chef, including all back-of-house areas
• Maintain the highest standard of food safety
• Determine stock needs, interact with vendors, and monitor sales and inventory management
• Manage, recruit, and oversee training of all BOH employees
• Maintain and monitor employees' shift schedules and job performance
• Supervise and communicate promotions and train and educate staff on all promotions
• Place orders with suppliers
• Manage and complete bi-weekly payroll info, including time cards, payroll changes, new hires, and terminations
• Must be open to work a couple late night shifts a week
• Ensure every item served is to the Leo's brand standards of quality and specification
• Ensure high level of BOH engagement and overall team satisfaction
• Identify future leaders and build a solid BOH back-bench

What We’re Looking For

In addition to the specific responsibilities, here are the specific job requirements:

• Minimum of three years of kitchen experience in the hospitality industry
• Minimum of two years of managerial experience in a fast-paced kitchen setting
• Ordering, scheduling & inventory management experience
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think independently
• Effective communication skills, with the understanding of the importance of communication
• Ability to write routine reports and correspondence
• Willingness to fill in for team members and provide proper coverage
• Demonstrated use of standard concepts and practices in purchasing, inventory, and supervising up to 20 employees
• Good with people and able to exhibit positive line leadership
• Organizational and time management skills
• General knowledge of POS systems, Excel, and Word
• Valid Food Safe Certificate
• Valid driver's license
• As always, you must be awesome!!

About Us

At Leo’s, our community bar culture is built on customer service, quality, and fun. We aim to deliver consistency in every visit while making sure both our guests and our crew enjoy the experience.

Our values guide everything we do. We believe in being authentic—what you see is what you get. We stay grateful and humble, knowing that it takes every member of the team to create something great. We’re inclusive, welcoming people from all walks of life and making sure everyone feels they belong. We stay innovative, always looking for new ways to improve and keep things fresh. We’re relentless in our drive to deliver high standards, even when the pace is fast. And we’re always community-minded, because Leo’s is more than just a tavern—it’s a place where people connect.

At Leo’s, there’s no “front of house” and “back of house”—it’s one team, one dream. If one succeeds, we all succeed. Every role matters, and we’ve built an environment where we lift each other up and celebrate wins together.

We’re proud to foster a diverse, welcoming, and safe workplace where everyone feels respected and valued. That commitment has helped us earn recognition as a Deloitte Best Managed Company.

At Leo’s, we value professionalism, respect, and accountability. To keep our team culture positive and productive, we maintain a zero-tolerance approach to negativity, disruptive behavior, or lack of accountability. In short—show up ready to work, respect others, and take ownership of your role. We’re proud of the environment we’ve built, and we’re committed to keeping it supportive and focused.

Our crew is at its best when everyone feels included, respected, and valued. We’re an equal opportunity employer, committed to building a team that represents all kinds of experiences, perspectives, and stories. That mix is what makes working (and hanging out) here awesome.

Decisions around hiring, training, pay, and promotions come down to performance, potential, and passion—not on any protected ground. If you need a hand or an accommodation during the process, just let us know. We’ve got your back.

Ready to Join the Team?

If you meet our hiring criteria, our manager will reach out using the contact info from your resume to set up an interview. Walk-in resumes are also welcome!

Thanks for considering Leopold’s Tavern—we can’t wait to meet you.

– The Leo’s Recruiting Team