Restaurant Chef (Full-Time)

Located in the heart of Canada's capital next door to the Parliament Buildings, the landmark Fairmont Chateau Laurier hotel in Ottawa is looking to fill a role of Restaurant Chef (Full-Time) for our Akira Back restaurant.  

About the concept – The Akira Back restaurant at Fairmont Château Laurier will bring Chef Akira Back’s brand of modern Japanese‑Korean cuisine to Canada’s capital. Chef Back is a Michelin‑starred, Korean‑born chef renowned for melding Japanese and Korean flavours with innovative twists. His menus are inspired by global influences and tell a story through a “melting pot” of cultures. Dining in an Akira Back restaurant is a vivid experience where culinary excellence, unparalleled service and an immersive atmosphere converge. To execute this concept with integrity, the Restaurant Chef must have worked alongside Chef Akira Back in an executive capacity for at least two years and must possess broad expertise in both Japanese and Korean cuisines.

 What is in it for you:

• Wonderful company culture - our colleagues are at the heart of all that we do
• Food & Beverage discount of 50% in our restaurants
• Employee benefit card offering discounted rates in Accor worldwide for you and your family
• Learning programs through our Academies designed to sharpen your skills
• Ability to make a difference through our Corporate Social Responsibility activities, like Planet 21
• Comprehensive extended health benefits package

Position summary

As part of the overall Fairmont Château Laurier Kitchen operations, this role is responsible for supporting the food & beverage kitchen operations and is called to work in every kitchen Outlets of the hotel as required. The main focus of the role will be the launching and leading the Akira Back restaurant at Fairmont Château Laurier. The Restaurant Chef will be charged with translating Chef Back’s brand standards and culinary philosophy into an operation that drives revenue, creates buzz and meets Fairmont’s luxury standards. The ideal candidate is commercially savvy, a creative culinary innovator and a natural leader who embodies Accor’s core values of innovation, trust, guest passion, respect and sustainable performance while living Fairmont’s values of respect, integrity, teamwork and empowerment.

Key responsibilities

Strategic & business leadership

• Concept execution & growth: champion the Akira Back brand, maintaining consistent quality and authenticity. Understand the business drivers of a stand‑alone restaurant and collaborate with marketing and revenue teams to position Akira Back as a destination restaurant that resonates with locals and hotel guests.
• Financial accountability: develop annual budgets, forecast revenues and set performance targets. Control food, labour and operating costs and implement systems to maximize profitability.
• Innovation & brand relevance: stay abreast of dining trends and guests’ preferences; adapt menus and experiences to keep the restaurant relevant. Embrace Accor’s “spirit of conquest” and innovate boldly.

Culinary & creative leadership

• Menu development: design menus that honour Japanese and Korean traditions while reflecting Chef Back’s culinary storytelling. Create dishes that blend traditional techniques with modern interpretations and guide presentation, portioning and plating.
• Quality & safety: source superior ingredients, recognizing premium products and ensuring they meet Fairmont’s service promise. Uphold rigorous food‑handling and sanitation standards; lead the team through inspections and certification processes to ensure compliance.
• Innovation & technique: introduce and train staff on contemporary cooking methods, dry ageing and other techniques used in Akira Back establishments. Maintain continuous improvement of kitchen workflow and equipment.

Operations

• Procurement & supply chain: develop purchasing specifications for specialty Japanese and Korean ingredients. Build relationships with local artisans and suppliers; Fairmont encourages showcasing local flavours and sustainable practices.
• Sustainability & community: align the operation with Fairmont’s long‑standing commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible tourism. Promote waste‑reduction initiatives and collaborate on Accor’s Green Partnership goals.
• Guest experience: set service standards that deliver Fairmont’s promise to “make special happen with every stay”. Be visible in the dining room, engaging with guests and sharing the story behind dishes.

Talent management & leadership

• Team building: recruit, train and mentor a diverse culinary brigade, fostering a collegial culture grounded in fairness and dignity. Lead by example, demonstrating respect, integrity and empowerment in all interactions.
• Performance management: establish clear goals, conduct regular reviews and support colleagues’ career progression. Promote an open‑door environment and encourage feedback.
• Cultural ambassador: act as the face of Akira Back, participating in community events and collaborating with local chefs and producers. Uphold Accor’s Heartist® culture by connecting authentically with colleagues and guests.
• Support: Bring hands on support to the overall kitchen operations of the Hotel for all Outlets as required by the operations.

• Experience: At least two years as a Restaurant Chef working directly with Chef Akira Back, with demonstrable mastery of his culinary style. Broad, hands‑on experience in Japanese and Korean cuisines is essential, as is experience leading high‑volume, luxury‑hotel or fine‑dining restaurants.
• Education: High‑school diploma or GED plus a minimum of ten years’ experience in restaurants/hotels; a degree in culinary arts or hospitality management is preferred.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead and inspire large teams, manage complex operations and deliver exceptional guest experiences.
• Values & culture: Commitment to Accor’s core values—innovation, trust, spirit of conquest, guest passion, respect and sustainable performance—and Fairmont’s values of respect, integrity, teamwork and empowerment. Passion for environmental stewardship and community engagement.

Fairmont Château Laurier is proud to provide employment accommodation during the recruitment process. Should you require any accommodations, please notify us.

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

We are an inclusive company and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent.

Why work for Accor?

We are far more than a worldwide leader. We welcome you as you are and you can find a job and brand that matches your personality. We support you to grow and learn every day, making sure that work brings purpose to your life, so that during your journey with us, you can continue to explore Accor’s limitless possibilities.

By joining Accor, every chapter of your story is yours to write and together we can imagine tomorrow's hospitality. Discover the life that awaits you at Accor, visit https://careers.accor.com/

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