At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Sous Chef in delivering exceptional Japanese cuisine and leading the kitchen team.
- Company: MA/NA, a unique restaurant blending refined Japanese dining with an exceptional cocktail experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, service charge, training, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborate with talented chefs and enjoy staff meals and wellness initiatives.
- Why this job: Join a flagship opening and grow your culinary skills in a creative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Junior Sous Chef or strong Senior Chef de Partie in fine dining.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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 - MaNa Mayfair in London employer: Ma/Na
At MA/NA Mayfair, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and high-performing kitchen culture. With a focus on training and career progression, our team members enjoy the opportunity to work alongside talented chefs in a flagship restaurant setting, all while embracing the artistry of Japanese cuisine. Our commitment to wellness initiatives and providing staff meals ensures a supportive environment where passion for craft and creativity can thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Sous Chef - MaNa Mayfair in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with fellow chefs, restaurant owners, and industry professionals. Attend culinary events or workshops to meet people who can help you land that Junior Sous Chef role at MA/NA.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even a short video showcasing your cooking techniques. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to MA/NA and express your interest in joining their team. A personal touch can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching MA/NA’s philosophy and menu. Show them you’re not just passionate about Japanese cuisine but also about their unique approach. We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about being part of their opening team!
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Sous Chef - MaNa Mayfair in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Japanese Cuisine:When you're writing your application, let us see your love for Japanese food shine through! Share any experiences or dishes that have inspired you, and make it clear why you want to be part of the MA/NA team.
Highlight Your Attention to Detail:We’re all about precision and craft at MA/NA. In your application, give examples of how you've maintained high standards in your previous roles. This will show us that you understand the importance of consistency in a fine dining kitchen.
Be Yourself:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We value a positive and collaborative kitchen culture, so showing us who you are can help us see if you’d be a great fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at MA/NA!
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, as this will show your passion and understanding of the cuisine.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led a team in the kitchen before. Talk about how you motivate others and maintain a calm environment during busy service times. This will demonstrate your ability to support the Sous Chef effectively.
✨Emphasise Attention to Detail
Be prepared to discuss how you ensure consistency and quality in your dishes. Share specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference in the kitchen, as this aligns perfectly with MA/NA's standards.
✨Express Your Passion for Growth
Let them know about your ambition to develop within the culinary field. Discuss any previous experiences where you’ve taken initiative to learn or improve, showing that you're eager to contribute to the restaurant's success.
