Job Description

Head Chef (Chef de Cuisine)

Lamaso Restaurant - Mediterranean & Iraqi Cuisine

Hamilton, ON

Overview

Lamaso is seeking an experienced and passionate

Head Chef (Chef de Cuisine)

to lead our kitchen and bring authentic Mediterranean and Iraqi flavors to life. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with deep culinary knowledge, strong organizational skills, and a commitment to consistency, quality, and halal food standards. This role is central to maintaining Lamaso's culinary identity while elevating our menu and kitchen operations.

Responsibilities

Lead, supervise, and schedule kitchen staff including cooks, prep staff, and sous chefs Oversee daily food preparation, cooking, and plating to ensure consistency, authenticity, and quality Develop, refine, and execute menus rooted in

Mediterranean & Iraqi cuisine

while considering customer preferences and seasonal ingredients Ensure all food is prepared in compliance with

halal standards

, food safety regulations, and health codes Maintain strict standards for cleanliness, organization, and efficiency within the kitchen Manage inventory, ordering, and supplier relationships to control food costs and minimize waste Train, mentor, and motivate kitchen staff to uphold performance and professionalism Monitor portion control and food presentation to ensure brand consistency Collaborate with ownership and management on menu planning, costing, and operational improvements Maintain calm leadership during high-volume service periods

Qualifications

Proven experience as a

Head Chef, Chef de Cuisine, or Senior Sous Chef

in a high-volume restaurant Strong background in

Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, or Iraqi cuisine

(or closely related cuisines) Solid understanding of

food handling

and kitchen compliance standards Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to manage, train, and retain kitchen staff Experience with grills, rice dishes, stews, sauces, mezze, and traditional preparation methods Strong organizational and cost-control skills Ability to work under pressure while maintaining attention to detail Excellent communication and teamwork skills Passion for food, authenticity, and continuous improvement

Why Join Lamaso

Opportunity to lead and shape the culinary direction of a growing restaurant Creative input on menu development and execution Supportive ownership with a focus on long-term success Competitive compensation based on experience
Job Type: Permanent

Pay: $70,000.00-$80,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person