At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Sous Chef in delivering exceptional Japanese cuisine and leading the kitchen team.
- Company: MA/NA, a new fine dining restaurant inspired by Japanese philosophy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, staff meals, and a creative work environment.
- Other info: Collaborate with talented chefs and contribute to menu development in an exciting setting.
- Why this job: Join a flagship opening and grow your culinary skills in a high-performing kitchen.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Junior Sous Chef or strong Senior Chef de Partie with a passion for Japanese cuisine.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Below covers everything you need to know about what this opportunity entails, as well as what is expected from applicants.
Location: 30 Upper Grosvenor Street, Mayfair
About MA/NA
MA/NA is inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Ma/Na the unseen energy within nature, ingredients, and the hands that honour them. Blending refined Japanese dining with an exceptional cocktail, wine, and sake offering, MA/NA is a restaurant and bar where every detail is intentional from food and drink to design, sound, light, and service.
The Role
As Junior Sous Chef, you will support the Sous Chef and Executive Chef in delivering a kitchen experience defined by precision, balance, and craft. You will help lead the team through preparation and service, ensuring dishes are executed with consistency, care, and attention to detail. This is an exciting opportunity for a focused and ambitious chef with a passion for Japanese cuisine to grow within one of London’s most exciting new openings.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Sous Chef and Executive Chef in daily kitchen operations
- Help lead, motivate, and train the kitchen team during preparation and service
- Ensure dishes are prepared and presented to MA/NA’s standards
- Maintain excellent mise en place, hygiene, and food safety practices
- Assist with stock control, ordering, and kitchen organisation
- Contribute to menu development, tastings, and seasonal changes
- Lead by example with calm, discipline, and attention to detail
- Support a positive, collaborative, and high-performing kitchen culture
What We’re Looking For
- Experience as a Junior Sous Chef or strong Senior Chef de Partie in a high-end or fine dining kitchen
- Good understanding of Japanese cuisine, ingredients, and techniques
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to consistency
- Calm, organised, and supportive approach to leadership
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Passion for seasonality, sustainability, and craftsmanship
- Ambition to grow and help shape a flagship London opening
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and service charge package
- Opportunity to join a flagship opening within the Thesleff Group
- Training, development, and career progression
- Collaboration with talented chefs, sommeliers, and beverage professionals
- Staff meals, wellness initiatives, and a supportive creative environment
Join the MA/NA Opening Team
If you are guided by precision, curiosity, and respect for craft and want to grow within a kitchen where emotion meets balance we’d love to hear from you.
Junior Sous Chef in Islington employer: Ma/Na
Contact Detail:
Ma/Na Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Sous Chef in Islington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with other chefs and industry professionals. Attend culinary events, workshops, or even just pop into local restaurants to chat. You never know who might have a lead on your next opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in person! If you can, ask to do a trial shift at MA/NA or similar places. This gives you a chance to demonstrate your passion for Japanese cuisine and your ability to work under pressure while also getting a feel for the kitchen culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Keep your online presence sharp! Share your culinary creations on social media or a personal blog. This not only showcases your skills but also shows potential employers that you're engaged and passionate about your craft.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the MA/NA team!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Sous Chef in Islington
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Japanese Cuisine: When writing your application, let us know why you're passionate about Japanese cuisine. Share any experiences or dishes that inspire you, as this will help us see your enthusiasm and fit for the role.
Highlight Your Attention to Detail: As a Junior Sous Chef, precision is key! Make sure to mention specific examples from your past roles where your attention to detail made a difference in the kitchen. We love candidates who take pride in their work!
Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills: We’re looking for someone who can support and motivate the team. In your application, share instances where you've led a team or trained others, showcasing your calm and organised approach to leadership.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us directly, apply through our website. It’s the best way for us to review your details and get back to you quickly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ma/Na
✨Know Your Japanese Cuisine
Brush up on your knowledge of Japanese ingredients and techniques. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would prepare them. This shows your passion and understanding of the cuisine, which is crucial for a role at MA/NA.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led or motivated a team in the kitchen. Highlight your calm and organised approach, as well as any training experiences you've had. This will demonstrate that you're ready to support the Sous Chef and contribute to a positive kitchen culture.
✨Emphasise Attention to Detail
During the interview, talk about specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference in your cooking or kitchen operations. Whether it’s about presentation or maintaining hygiene standards, showing that you value precision will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Menu Ideas
Think about seasonal ingredients and how they could inspire new dishes. Be prepared to share your thoughts on menu development and how you can contribute creatively to MA/NA. This shows your ambition and willingness to grow within the team.