At a Glance
- Tasks: Support kitchen leadership and manage daily operations in a vibrant Japanese restaurant.
- Company: Join a newly launched, sophisticated venue in Mayfair focusing on modern Japanese cuisine.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary of up to £60,000 plus a £5,000 bonus.
- Why this job: Be part of an ambitious project with creative freedom and a positive kitchen culture.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Senior Sous or Sous Chef in high-quality restaurants is essential.
- Other info: Immediate start preferred; ideal for those passionate about Japanese or fusion cuisine.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
Senior Sous Chef
New Opening | London | Michelin-Level Kitchen
Smyth & Co is working exclusively with one of the most anticipated restaurant openings in the UK this year—a bold, design-led concept arriving in London with serious intent, serious backing, and serious culinary firepower.
This will not be a quiet launch.
This will be one of the hottest new openings of the year.
We are now seeking an exceptional Senior Sous Chef to join the leadership team from the outset and help shape what promises to be a future benchmark for modern Mediterranean cooking in the UK.
The Concept
Rooted in Southern Mediterranean cuisine, this kitchen champions:
- Open-flame cooking
- Fire, smoke, and live grills
- Ingredients-forward menus with confidence and restraint
- Precision, depth of flavour, and theatre
This is cooking with soul—but delivered at the highest technical and operational level.
The Role
As Senior Sous Chef, you’ll work closely with a high-profile Head Chef and be instrumental in:
- Leading and inspiring a large, ambitious brigade
- Executing open-flame and live-fire cooking at pace
- Maintaining immaculate standards across quality, systems, and culture
- Playing a key role in menu development, training, and launch execution
This is a hands-on role for a chef who thrives in the heat and leads from the front.
About You
This role is strictly for chefs operating at the top end of the market.
You will have:
- Proven Michelin-star experience (or equivalent fine-dining pedigree)
- Deep understanding of Southern Mediterranean cuisine and flavour profiles
- Experience leading teams in high-pressure, high-profile kitchens
- A natural authority—calm, driven, and respected by your brigade
You are ambitious, detail-obsessed, and energised by the idea of building something from the ground up.
Why This One Matters
- Flagship London opening
- Exceptional backing and long-term vision
- A kitchen with genuine critical and award potential
- Career-defining exposure and growth
This is the kind of role chefs talk about after the opening, not before it.
📩 All applications and enquiries are handled with absolute discretion by Smyth & Co.
Senior Sous Chef employer: Smyth & Co
Contact Detail:
Smyth & Co Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sous Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the culinary industry, especially those who have experience in Japanese cuisine. Attend food festivals or culinary events in London to meet potential colleagues and learn more about the latest trends.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your creativity by experimenting with modern Japanese dishes at home or in your current role. This will not only enhance your skills but also give you unique ideas to discuss during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the restaurant's concept and menu before applying. Understanding their approach to modern Japanese cuisine will help you articulate how you can contribute to their vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed kitchen teams in the past. Highlight specific examples of how you've trained staff and maintained high standards in previous roles.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sous Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in high-quality restaurants, particularly any roles as a Senior Sous Chef or Sous Chef. Emphasise your skills in managing kitchen operations, staff training, and menu development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for modern Japanese cuisine and your ability to contribute creatively to the kitchen. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your leadership skills and how you can support the Head Chef.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, focus on key skills such as stock control, team management, and maintaining kitchen standards. If you have experience with Japanese or fusion cuisine, be sure to mention it, even if it's not essential.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a kitchen environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Smyth & Co
✨Showcase Your Culinary Skills
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience in high-quality restaurants, especially any roles as a Senior Sous Chef or Sous Chef. Highlight specific dishes you've created or techniques you've mastered, particularly if they relate to Japanese cuisine or fusion concepts.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
Since the role involves managing a kitchen brigade, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Discuss your approach to staff training, development, and how you maintain a positive kitchen culture.
✨Emphasise Attention to Detail
In a fine dining environment, attention to detail is crucial. Prepare to talk about how you ensure consistency in service and prep, and how you maintain high standards in food presentation and hygiene.
✨Be Creative and Collaborative
The role offers room for creativity, so think about new menu items or specials you could propose. Be ready to discuss how you collaborate with others in the kitchen to refine systems and improve efficiency.