Head Chef

Join Our Culinary Team as Head Chef 

Are you an innovative chef passionate about Japanese cuisine? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where creativity and technique come together? If so, we want you to lead our client's culinary team specializing in premium catering and Japanese bento.

As our Head Chef, you will oversee daily kitchen operations, drive menu development, and ensure the restaurants and catering services set the benchmark for Japanese dining. You’ll play a key role in delivering exceptional culinary experiences, maintaining operational excellence, and leading a high-performing team.

Job Responsibilities

• Maintain high standards of quality, authenticity, and consistency across all dishes.

• Supervise the preparation of a diverse range of Japanese offerings, ensuring excellent flavor, presentation, and portion control.

• Continuously refine processes to optimize kitchen efficiency and food quality.

• Ensure adherence to established franchise recipes and ingredient lists.

• Manage daily kitchen operations, ensuring smooth collaboration between kitchen and service teams.

• Strictly uphold food safety and hygiene standards.

• Monitor food costs, inventory, and waste, ensuring operational efficiency and profitability.

• Conduct regular quality control checks, including taste tests and kitchen inspections.

• Develop duty rosters for kitchen staff to ensure proper coverage, minimize overtime, and account for seasonality.

• Manage food costs and labor budgets to maintain profitability.

• Collaborate with management to establish pricing strategies and cost controls.

• Build relationships with food suppliers and vendors to secure the best quality ingredients at competitive prices.

• Oversee ordering and inventory to ensure an adequate supply of ingredients without over-ordering.

• Ensure the freshness and consistency of all ingredients.

• Ensure outstanding dining and catering experiences through meticulous food preparation and presentation.

• Engage with customers during meal service to promote the restaurant's culture.

• Address special requests, complaints, or compliments as needed.

• Recruit, train, and mentor a high-performing kitchen team.

• Foster a positive, team-oriented work culture.

• Conduct performance evaluations, manage schedules, and ensure efficient staffing.

• Travel to external locations for catering events, maintaining high standards of food preparation, service, and customer interaction.

• Collaborate with management and other stakeholders to ensure operational alignment with business goals.

• Take on any additional responsibilities as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Culinary Arts degree or equivalent experience in Japanese restaurants.

• Proven leadership experience as a Head Chef, preferably with a focus on Japanese cuisine.

• Strong knowledge of Japanese culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and food safety standards.

• Expertise in managing kitchen operations, controlling costs, and ensuring profitability.

• Excellent time management, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

• Ability to train, motivate, and lead a dynamic team in a fast-paced kitchen environment.

• Strong attention to quality, consistency, and presentation of every dish.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Flexibility to work varied hours/shifts, including weekends and public holidays.

• Fluency in Japanese is a plus.

Key Skills & Qualities

• Leadership and team-building capabilities.

• Operational expertise and efficiency.

• Strong financial and strategic acumen.

• Customer-centric approach.

• Flexibility and innovation in problem-solving and kitchen operations.

Additional Information

• Working Hours: 6 days a week, subject to shift schedules.

If you're ready to take the next step in your culinary career and help shape the future of Japanese dining, we’d love to hear from you!