We are seeking an experienced Chef to plan menus, oversee food preparation and kitchen operations, and lead our culinary team in delivering high-quality Japanese cuisine. The successful candidate will bring strong technical skills, attention to detail and a genuine passion for Japanese food to ensure an exceptional dining experience for our customers.

Benefits

Task & responsibilities

• Collaborating with the head chef on the creation of menus that reflect the concept and goals of the restaurant, designing dishes around seasonal ingredients and calculating food and labour costs to ensure a varied selection that caters to different customer preferences. 
• Prepare and cook food to the restaurant's standards, overseeing all stages of preparation and cooking in the kitchen. 
• Select and source high-quality ingredients, establishing relationships with suppliers, ordering food supplies, and assessing ingredient quality to ensure freshness and consistency in the food served. 
• Organise and coordinate kitchen operations, including rostering work schedules, supervising kitchen staff, and maintaining an efficient workflow, while enforcing food hygiene and safety regulations and monitoring inventory levels. 
• Select, train and guide kitchen staff, demonstrating cooking techniques, sharing recipes, and advising on proper food handling and safety procedures. 
• Pay close attention to the visual presentation of dishes, arranging food thoughtfully with consideration to aesthetics, portion sizes and garnishing. 
• Monitor the quality of food throughout preparation and cooking, tasting and adjusting seasoning, checking presentation, and ensuring the final dish meets the restaurant's standards. 
• Regularly review and refine the menu, experimenting with new recipes, incorporating culinary trends, and introducing seasonal specials to keep offerings fresh. 
• Manage food costs within budget by controlling portion sizes, minimising waste, and sourcing cost-effective ingredient alternatives without compromising quality.

Qualification & experience

Diploma level qualification and at least 1 year relevant work experience in similar role.

Alternatively 3 years full time relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of a formal qualification in some circumstances.