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- Tasks: Lead the launch and setup of a luxury Japanese restaurant kitchen.
- Company: Join a stunning new fine dining restaurant in Kensington, opening October 2025.
- Benefits: Enjoy a salary up to £68,000 and luxury-level benefits including staff dining and development programs.
- Why this job: Shape a world-class kitchen while blending tradition with modern luxury dining.
- Qualifications: Must have experience as a Head Chef in luxury dining and a passion for Japanese cuisine.
- Other info: This is a unique chance to design a kitchen from scratch in a high-performance environment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 76000 £ per year.
We are recruiting a Head Chef for the launch of a stunning new modern Japanese fine dining restaurant, opening October 2025 in the heart of Kensington. This is a rare opportunity to take creative and operational leadership of a luxury opening — set within a design-led space offering panoramic views over London.
With a clear focus on precision-led Japanese techniques, exceptional produce, and elevated guest experience, the concept blends the elegance of fine dining with the soul of authentic Japanese cooking.
What We Offer:
- Salary up to £68,000, depending on experience
- A comprehensive package of luxury-level benefits:
- Development programs
- Exclusive brand collaborations and events
- Supplier visits and excursions
- Uniform and laundry provided
- Above industry standard on Pension / Holiday and other entitlements
- Staff Dining and enhanced care for you and the team
- A state-of-the-art kitchen, designed in collaboration with the incoming Head Chef
- A leadership role in one of the capital’s most anticipated new openings
Your Role:
- Lead the launch and full kitchen setup, including layout design, supplier sourcing, and equipment selection
- Build and train a high-performance brigade across all sections — hot, sushi, robata, tempura, pastry
- Develop a refined, seasonal menu celebrating modern Japanese cuisine with international influence
- Oversee daily service with consistency, calmness, and detail — maintaining Michelin-level discipline and finesse
- Work closely with the Executive Team to shape the culinary identity and guest journey from day one
- Champion a kitchen culture built on professionalism, mentorship, and excellence
- Drive all aspects of BOH operations, including cost control, compliance, training, and innovation
About You:
- An experienced Head Chef with a proven background in luxury dining environments
- A deep understanding of Japanese cuisine and a genuine passion for its craft, culture, and seasonal sensibility
- Experienced in new openings — confident in kitchen planning, team structuring, and supplier coordination
- A natural leader who thrives in high-performance, detail-driven environments
- Organised, composed, and collaborative — someone who inspires confidence in their team
- Committed to creating a kitchen culture that values growth, standards, and creativity
This role offers the rare opportunity to design and lead a world-class kitchen from the ground up — combining the elegance of Japanese tradition with the innovation of modern luxury dining. Apply now to shape the future of one of London’s most exciting new culinary destinations.
Head Chef - Japanese Restaurant employer: Organic Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Organic Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Japanese Restaurant
✨Tip Number 1
Network with industry professionals who have experience in luxury dining and Japanese cuisine. Attend culinary events, workshops, or tastings to connect with potential colleagues and suppliers, which can give you an edge when applying for the Head Chef position.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in modern Japanese cuisine. Research innovative techniques and seasonal ingredients that are currently popular, as this knowledge will help you stand out during interviews and discussions about menu development.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your vision for the kitchen culture you want to create. Think about how you would foster professionalism and mentorship within your team, as well as how you would maintain high standards in a fast-paced environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your experience with new openings by highlighting specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. Be ready to share examples of successful kitchen setups, team training, and supplier coordination to demonstrate your leadership capabilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Japanese Restaurant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description. Understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head Chef position, especially the emphasis on Japanese cuisine and luxury dining.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in luxury dining environments and your expertise in Japanese cuisine. Include specific examples of past roles where you led kitchen operations or developed menus, showcasing your leadership skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for Japanese cooking and your vision for the new restaurant. Discuss how your background aligns with the restaurant's goals and how you can contribute to creating a unique guest experience.
Showcase Your Creativity: If possible, include a portfolio or examples of your previous menu designs or culinary creations. This will demonstrate your ability to innovate and your understanding of modern Japanese cuisine, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Organic Recruitment Ltd
✨Showcase Your Culinary Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with Japanese cuisine in detail. Highlight specific techniques, dishes, and your understanding of seasonal ingredients that are essential to modern Japanese cooking.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Share examples of how you've built and trained high-performance teams in the past, and how you foster a positive kitchen culture.
✨Discuss Your Vision for the Menu
Articulate your ideas for a refined, seasonal menu that celebrates modern Japanese cuisine. Be ready to explain how you would incorporate international influences while maintaining authenticity.
✨Prepare for Operational Questions
Expect questions about kitchen operations, including cost control, compliance, and innovation. Be ready to discuss your strategies for managing these aspects while ensuring a Michelin-level dining experience.
