At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Executive Chef in delivering a creative and precise kitchen experience.
- Company: Join MA/NA, a new fine dining restaurant celebrating Japanese culinary philosophy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mentorship, staff meals, and wellness initiatives.
- Why this job: Be part of a landmark London opening and grow your culinary skills.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Junior Sous Chef or strong Chef de Partie with Japanese cuisine knowledge.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with clear career progression and a supportive team culture.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 Β£ per year.
Overview
Location: 30 Upper Grosvenor Street, Mayfair
About MA/NA
Opening in early 2026 on Upper Grosvenor Street, MA/NA is born from the Japanese philosophy that every ingredient carries an invisible power β a life-force shaped by nature and the hands that honour it. βManaβ is the spiritual energy that exists beneath the surface of all things. It is felt rather than seen β transforming emotion into experience, and a meal into memory. Guided by this belief, MA/NA offers a seamless blend of restaurant and bar β refined Japanese dishes alongside an exceptional cocktail, wine and sake list. Here, cocktails flow effortlessly into dinner, and dinner naturally returns to drinks. Every element β from design and service to sound and light β is intentional. Each detail celebrates the extraordinary within the simple.
The Role β Junior Sous Chef
As Junior Sous Chef at MA/NA, you will support the Executive Chef and Sous Chef in delivering a kitchen experience defined by precision, respect, and creativity. This is a hands-on leadership role for a chef ready to take the next step β someone who thrives on detail, organisation, and learning, while contributing positively to team culture and service flow. With a strong foundation in Japanese cuisine and technique, you will help guide the kitchen through service with calm focus and discipline, ensuring every dish reflects balance, craftsmanship, and consistency. Working closely with senior chefs and the wider management team, youβll play an important role in maintaining standards, supporting the brigade, and contributing to the evolving culinary identity of MA/NA.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Executive Chef and Sous Chef in daily kitchen operations and service
- Supervise sections during service, ensuring consistency, precision, and quality
- Lead and support junior members of the kitchen team through training and example
- Execute the culinary vision with attention to flavour, technique, and presentation
- Maintain high standards of mise en place, hygiene, and food safety
- Assist with menu development, tastings, and seasonal changes
- Help manage stock levels, ordering, and waste control responsibly
- Communicate clearly and work collaboratively with front-of-house, bar, and beverage teams
- Remain calm, organised, and solutions-focused during busy services
- Contribute ideas, curiosity, and technical knowledge to the ongoing development of the kitchen
What Weβre Looking For
- Experience as a Junior Sous Chef or strong Chef de Partie in a fine dining or high-end kitchen
- Solid understanding of Japanese cuisine, ingredients, and techniques
- Strong attention to detail and pride in consistency
- Calm, reliable, and supportive leadership approach
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Passion for seasonality, sustainability, and craftsmanship
- Organised, adaptable, and eager to learn and grow
- Excitement to be part of a landmark London opening
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and service charge package
- Opportunity to be part of a flagship opening within the Thesleff Group
- Mentorship from experienced chefs and industry-leading professionals
- Ongoing training, development, and clear career progression
- Staff meals, wellness initiatives, and a supportive, creative working environment
Join the MA/NA Opening Team
If you are driven by precision, curiosity, and respect for craft β and are ready to grow within a kitchen where balance and emotion define the experience β weβd love to hear from you.
Junior Sous Chef in City of Westminster employer: MaNa Mayfair
Contact Detail:
MaNa Mayfair Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Junior Sous Chef in City of Westminster
β¨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on MA/NA and its culinary philosophy. Understanding their approach to Japanese cuisine will help you connect with the chefs and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
β¨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you get the chance, bring a dish or two that showcases your understanding of Japanese techniques. This not only highlights your culinary prowess but also gives the team a taste of what you can bring to the table.
β¨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about teamwork! Since you'll be supporting the Executive Chef and Sous Chef, share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in past kitchens. Highlighting your leadership style and how you uplift junior chefs will resonate well.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to express your passion! Talk about your love for seasonality and sustainability in cooking. MA/NA values craftsmanship and respect for ingredients, so showing that you align with these principles will definitely make you stand out.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Sous Chef in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Passion for Japanese Cuisine: When writing your application, let your love for Japanese cuisine shine through! Share any experiences or dishes that have inspired you, and show us how you can bring that passion to the MA/NA kitchen.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Junior Sous Chef, you'll be guiding others. Make sure to mention any leadership roles you've had in the kitchen, and how youβve supported your team in achieving high standards. We want to see your calm and reliable approach!
Be Detail-Oriented: We value precision and consistency at MA/NA. In your application, give examples of how you've maintained high standards in your previous roles. This could be about mise en place, hygiene, or even presentation β we want to know you care about the details!
Apply Through Our Website: Ready to take the next step? We encourage you to apply through our website! Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Donβt miss out on this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at MaNa Mayfair
β¨Know Your Japanese Cuisine
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Japanese ingredients and techniques. Be prepared to discuss how you can incorporate these into the dishes at MA/NA. Showing a genuine passion for the cuisine will definitely impress the interviewers.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Junior Sous Chef, you'll be expected to lead and support junior team members. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully guided others or contributed positively to team culture. This will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
β¨Emphasise Attention to Detail
MA/NA values precision and consistency in their kitchen. Be ready to talk about how you maintain high standards in your work, whether itβs through mise en place or presentation. Sharing specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference will resonate well.
β¨Prepare Questions About the Role
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the kitchen's operations, the culinary vision, and how you can contribute to the evolving identity of MA/NA. This shows your enthusiasm and commitment to being part of their team.