January 17, 2026
Full-Time | Saanich Peninsula, BC
The Gig
We’re looking for a Kitchen Lead who’s ready to run a small, focused, high-standards food program inside a craft brewery that actually gives a damn about what comes out of the kitchen.
This isn’t a pub. We don’t have deep fryers. Our Food Lab is built around scratch-made, local ingredient-driven cooking – the kind of food that makes people stop mid-bite and say, “Wait, this is from a brewery?”
You’ll lead a lean team (max 3 people), manage the whole operation, and have real creative input on what we serve. If you’ve been waiting for a place where the kitchen isn’t an afterthought, this is it.
What You’ll Be Doing
Leading the Kitchen
You’re the person running the show. Menu development, inventory, scheduling, prep, service – it’s on you. You’ll work closely with our founders (Michael and Karen) to shape the direction of the program, but day-to-day, the kitchen is yours.
Cooking With Intention
We care about where things come from and how they’re made. Our Michell Farms beef burger is a closed-loop partnership – they feed their cattle our spent grain, we serve their beef. That’s the kind of thoughtfulness we want in everything we do.
Using Good Tools
You’ll have a Rational combi oven at your disposal – a seriously capable piece of kit that opens up a lot of creative possibilities if you know how to use it (or want to learn).
Building Relationships
You’ll work with local farms and suppliers to source what’s best and seasonal. We want food that reflects where we are – on the Saanich Peninsula, surrounded by incredible producers.
Managing the Metrics
Food cost, labour cost, waste – you’ll need to keep an eye on the numbers without letting them kill the creativity. It’s a balance, and we need someone who can hold both.
Who You Are
- Experienced but not jaded. You’ve got 2-5 years in professional kitchens (bistro, cafe, small restaurant vibe) and you know how to move fast, cook clean, and lead a small team.
- Creative but grounded. You’re not here to do molecular gastronomy or chase trends. You want to make delicious, thoughtful food that people actually want to eat.
- Organized and consistent. Small kitchens don’t have room for chaos. You keep things tight, clean, and running smoothly even when it’s busy.
- Collaborative. You work well with front-of-house, you listen to feedback, and you’re comfortable being part of a small, close-knit team.
- Food Safe certified. (Red Seal is a bonus, but not required.)
Why This Job is Different
The hours don’t suck.
We’re open noon – 9 pm, seven days a week. Kitchen closes at 8:30 pm. No late-night grinds. No Sunday brunch chaos. Predictable, reasonable shifts that let you have a life outside work.
The food program matters here.
This isn’t a kitchen bolted onto a brewery as an afterthought. Food is a core part of what makes Category 12 special, and we’re looking for someone who wants to be part of building something people remember.
You’ll have creative freedom.
Seasonal menus, new ideas, experimenting with what’s available—you’ll have real input. We’re inspired by places like Rusted Rake Brewing and Wheelies Motorcycle Cafe – tight, focused menus that punch way above their weight.
The team is small, but the support is real.
You’re working directly with the owners. No layers of management. No corporate bureaucracy. Just clear communication, mutual respect, and a shared goal: make great food and beer in a space people love.
What We’re Offering
Compensation:
- Base pay: $24 – 26/hour (based on experience)
- Tip pool: $9 – 12/hour average (our kitchen staff share in tips like FOH!)
- Total comp: $33 – 38/hour
Benefits:
- Extended medical insurance
- Health spending account
- Payday flat of beer + staff discounts
How to Apply
Send your resume and a short note (doesn’t need to be formal) to icandothis@category12brewing.com.
Tell us:
- Why this job sounds like a good fit for you
- What kind of food you’re excited to cook
- What you’re looking for in your next role
We want to hear from people who actually want to work here – not just anyone looking for a kitchen job.
Category 12 + You > Category 12
Our customers come from all walks of life, and so do we. We’re building a team that reflects the diversity of our community. If you share our values – precision, curiosity, quality, and a genuine love for what you do – we’d love to hear from you.