Head Chef — Bar Ocelli
Location: Ottawa, ON
Job Type: Full-time
Schedule: 5 days per week
Compensation: To be discussed based on experience
About Bar Ocelli
Bar Ocelli is a small, design-focused cocktail bar with an intimate room, strong identity, and a food program built around craveable small plates, clean execution, and thoughtful hospitality.
We are looking for the right person to take ownership of the kitchen and help shape the next phase of the food program.
This is a great opportunity for a young chef or experienced cook who is ready for the next step — someone creative, hard-working, organized, and capable of running a small but ambitious kitchen with pride and consistency.
About the Role
The Head Chef at Bar Ocelli will be responsible for leading the day-to-day food operation. This is a mostly solo kitchen role, working 5 days per week, with additional support on Friday/Saturday and coverage on days off.
This is not a large brigade position. It is best suited to someone who enjoys taking ownership, staying organized, working clean, and executing at a high level without needing constant supervision.
The right candidate may be someone who is currently feeling undervalued in their role and is ready for the opportunity to lead a program of their own.
You will work collaboratively on menu development, prep systems, food standards, costing, and execution.
Responsibilities
- Lead the daily kitchen operation at Bar Ocelli
- Execute a focused menu of small plates, snacks, tasting menu and shareable dishes
- Maintain consistent prep, plating, and service standards
- Work clean, organized, and efficiently in a mostly solo kitchen environment
- Manage daily prep lists, par levels, ordering needs, and kitchen organization
- Follow and maintain recipe specs, dish standards, and food safety practices
- Collaborate on menu development and seasonal updates
- Maintain a high level of execution across every dish
- Communicate clearly with ownership, management, and support staff
- Help build a food program that fits the room and becomes part of Bar Ocelli’s identity
What We’re Looking For
- A creative, hard-working cook or young chef ready for a leadership opportunity
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently
- Pride in clean prep, sharp execution, and consistent plating
- A calm, professional approach to service
- Someone who wants ownership, not just another station
- Ability to manage a small kitchen with maturity and accountability
- Fine dining experience is an asset
- Small plates, wine bar, cocktail bar, or high-end casual experience is also an asset
Schedule
- 5 days per week
- Evening-focused schedule
- Support cook scheduled for peak nights and coverage
- Bar Ocelli is currently open 6 days per week
Why This Role Is Different
This is a real opportunity to lead a food program, not just fill a position.
The kitchen is small, focused, and manageable, but the expectations are high. The goal is to create food that is craveable, polished, and memorable — food that matches the room and gives guests a reason to come back.
For the right person, this is a chance to take the next step, build confidence as a leader, and put their stamp on a growing food program.
How to Apply
Please apply through Indeed with your resume.
A short note about yourself, your experience, and why this opportunity interests you is encouraged.
Pay: $22.00-$28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
