At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-profile kitchen, creating classic Japanese dishes with full creative control.
- Company: Join an acclaimed restaurant group launching a flagship Japanese Izakaya in the City of London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary of £80K–£100K plus bonuses and structured Monday to Friday hours.
- Why this job: This is a unique chance to build a kitchen from scratch and leave a lasting legacy.
- Qualifications: Must have proven experience in high-end Japanese kitchens and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: No weekend work, just focused lunch and dinner services with a passionate team.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 85000 £ per year.
Lead the kitchen of a high-profile Japanese Izakaya from launch.
Job Role: Executive Head Chef / Head Chef
Cuisine: Classic Japanese Izakaya
Location: City of London
We’re partnering exclusively with an acclaimed restaurant group to recruit an Executive Head Chef for their new Japanese Izakaya flagship restaurant. This is a rare opportunity to build a kitchen from scratch, with full creative control and a premium offering.
The Concept:
- Open-fire cooking, bold flavours, and elegant presentation
- 70 covers + PDR, lunch and dinner only
- Menu focus: Sushi/Sashimi, Tempura, Grill
- Busy lunch and services up to 150 covers
The Ideal Chef:
- Proven experience in high-end Japanese kitchens
- Strong leadership – ability to hire and train a team of 15 chefs
- Passion for open-fire cooking and precision in sushi/sashimi
- Monday–Friday schedule (no weekends)
Why Apply?
- Autonomy – Report directly to founders (no group executive)
- Financial reward – £80K–£100K + bonus
- Work-life balance – Structured hours (lunch/dinner service only)
- Career legacy – Launch a flagship site in the City
Sound like you? APPLY TODAY! Send your CV to Olly at COREcruitment dot com.
Contact Detail:
COREcruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Network with industry professionals who have experience in high-end Japanese cuisine. Attend culinary events or workshops where you can meet chefs and restaurant owners, as personal connections can often lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for open-fire cooking and precision in sushi/sashimi by creating a portfolio of your best dishes. Consider sharing this on social media or culinary platforms to attract attention from potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the restaurant group you’re applying to and understand their vision and values. Tailor your approach to demonstrate how your culinary philosophy aligns with theirs, which can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experience in building and training kitchen teams. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed a team in a high-pressure environment, as this is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in high-end Japanese kitchens and any leadership roles you've held. Emphasise your skills in open-fire cooking and precision in sushi/sashimi preparation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for Japanese cuisine and your vision for the new Izakaya. Mention specific dishes or techniques you excel in and how you plan to lead and train your team.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've successfully built and managed a kitchen team. Highlight any training programmes you've implemented and how you've fostered a positive kitchen environment.
Highlight Your Creativity: Since this role offers creative control, include any unique menu ideas or concepts you've developed in the past. Discuss how you would approach building the menu for the new restaurant and your philosophy on food presentation.
How to prepare for a job interview at COREcruitment Ltd
✨Showcase Your Culinary Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience in high-end Japanese kitchens. Highlight specific dishes you've mastered, especially sushi and sashimi, and any unique techniques you’ve developed in open-fire cooking.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role requires leading a team of 15 chefs, share examples of how you've successfully hired, trained, and managed kitchen staff in the past. Emphasise your ability to foster a positive kitchen environment.
✨Express Your Passion for the Cuisine
Convey your enthusiasm for Japanese cuisine and the art of izakaya dining. Discuss what inspires you about this culinary style and how you plan to bring creativity to the menu.
✨Prepare for Menu Development Discussion
Think about potential menu ideas that align with the restaurant's concept. Be ready to discuss how you would approach creating a menu that features bold flavours and elegant presentation while catering to busy lunch and dinner services.