Top Benefits
About the role
##About Ex Nihilo Vineyards
Ex Nihilo Vineyards Okanagan Valley Inc. is an established vineyard and winery operating in Lake Country, BC. Ex Nihilo is a privately held company owned by the Azhadi Group, a group of companies which develops and operates wineries and vineyards throughout the Okanagan Valley.
We seek to provide meaningful work and create meaningful relationships. We respect people; we communicate openly; we are team players; we are accountable; and we are trustworthy.
We strive to deliver beautiful experiences best in class to our people and our guests. Gratitude is at our core; whether it be the land, the opportunity, or the people who we work with and visit us. We are building an environment where people come together, feel valued and will grow in their respective career paths.
Position Summary
Ex Nihilo Vineyards is seeking a passionate and creativeFirst Cooksto lead the culinary program at our winery restaurant. This role is responsible for delivering exceptional food that enhances the wine experience, managing all aspects of kitchen operations, and leading a high-performing culinary team. The ideal candidate brings a refined approach to cuisine, a deep respect for local ingredients, and strong leadership in an elevated dining environment. This position requires a “leading from the front” and provide the highest level of service to our guests.
Key Responsibilities
Food Preparation & Cooking
- Execute dishes according to the recipes and standards set by the Chef de Cuisine.
- Prepare mise en place and maintain a clean, organized station throughout service.
- Ensure quality, presentation, and portion control are consistent with brand expectations.
- Support multiple stations and assist with prep for upcoming services and events.
Kitchen Standards & Teamwork
o Follow all food safety and sanitation regulations, including Food Safe protocols.
o Work collaboratively with other cooks, sous chefs, and the front-of-house team.
o Assist in daily cleaning, waste management, and proper food storage procedures.
o Participate in pre-service briefings and culinary training when applicable.
Qualifications
o 1–2 years of kitchen experience preferred; fine dining experience is an asset.
o Strong work ethic and willingness to learn and grow within a high-standard kitchen.
o Attention to detail and consistency in preparation and presentation.
o Ability to work efficiently under pressure and follow direction.
o Food Safe certification required.
o Flexible availability including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
- Bringing a positive attitude into the kitchen every day and treat all staff with respect.
- Excellent hospitality forward mentality is crucial to this role.
##Compensation:
The typical hiring range for this position is $23 per hour, the hourly rate offered is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experiences, and internal equity.
Why work for Ex nihilo?
Our core values are at the heart of our people and company objectives.
OUR GUIDING BEHAVIOUR - Radical Truth & Transparency
o We Respect People
o We Communicate Openly
o We are Team Players
o We are Accountable
o We are Trustworthy
We celebrate our wins and each other. We are committed to fostering a rich learning environment and creating a fun and collaborative place to be! Joining Ex nihilo Vineyards means becoming part of an established and respected winery with worldclass wines and a passionate team dedicated to operational excellence and guest experiences.
In addition to a competitive compensation structure, we offer:
o Wine & food discounts
o Merchandise discounts
o Extended benefits for full-time employees
o We invest in you and our team
o An amazing opportunity for personal growth and development
Not the right fit? Search for First Cook jobs in Lake Country, BC
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Top Benefits
About the role
##About Ex Nihilo Vineyards
Ex Nihilo Vineyards Okanagan Valley Inc. is an established vineyard and winery operating in Lake Country, BC. Ex Nihilo is a privately held company owned by the Azhadi Group, a group of companies which develops and operates wineries and vineyards throughout the Okanagan Valley.
We seek to provide meaningful work and create meaningful relationships. We respect people; we communicate openly; we are team players; we are accountable; and we are trustworthy.
We strive to deliver beautiful experiences best in class to our people and our guests. Gratitude is at our core; whether it be the land, the opportunity, or the people who we work with and visit us. We are building an environment where people come together, feel valued and will grow in their respective career paths.
Position Summary
Ex Nihilo Vineyards is seeking a passionate and creativeFirst Cooksto lead the culinary program at our winery restaurant. This role is responsible for delivering exceptional food that enhances the wine experience, managing all aspects of kitchen operations, and leading a high-performing culinary team. The ideal candidate brings a refined approach to cuisine, a deep respect for local ingredients, and strong leadership in an elevated dining environment. This position requires a “leading from the front” and provide the highest level of service to our guests.
Key Responsibilities
Food Preparation & Cooking
- Execute dishes according to the recipes and standards set by the Chef de Cuisine.
- Prepare mise en place and maintain a clean, organized station throughout service.
- Ensure quality, presentation, and portion control are consistent with brand expectations.
- Support multiple stations and assist with prep for upcoming services and events.
Kitchen Standards & Teamwork
o Follow all food safety and sanitation regulations, including Food Safe protocols.
o Work collaboratively with other cooks, sous chefs, and the front-of-house team.
o Assist in daily cleaning, waste management, and proper food storage procedures.
o Participate in pre-service briefings and culinary training when applicable.
Qualifications
o 1–2 years of kitchen experience preferred; fine dining experience is an asset.
o Strong work ethic and willingness to learn and grow within a high-standard kitchen.
o Attention to detail and consistency in preparation and presentation.
o Ability to work efficiently under pressure and follow direction.
o Food Safe certification required.
o Flexible availability including weekends, evenings, and holidays.
- Bringing a positive attitude into the kitchen every day and treat all staff with respect.
- Excellent hospitality forward mentality is crucial to this role.
##Compensation:
The typical hiring range for this position is $23 per hour, the hourly rate offered is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experiences, and internal equity.
Why work for Ex nihilo?
Our core values are at the heart of our people and company objectives.
OUR GUIDING BEHAVIOUR - Radical Truth & Transparency
o We Respect People
o We Communicate Openly
o We are Team Players
o We are Accountable
o We are Trustworthy
We celebrate our wins and each other. We are committed to fostering a rich learning environment and creating a fun and collaborative place to be! Joining Ex nihilo Vineyards means becoming part of an established and respected winery with worldclass wines and a passionate team dedicated to operational excellence and guest experiences.
In addition to a competitive compensation structure, we offer:
o Wine & food discounts
o Merchandise discounts
o Extended benefits for full-time employees
o We invest in you and our team
o An amazing opportunity for personal growth and development
Not the right fit? Search for First Cook jobs in Lake Country, BC