At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the sushi counter, mentor junior chefs, and develop an exceptional sushi menu.
- Company: Exciting new restaurant opening in Mayfair, focused on Japanese culinary traditions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, growth opportunities, staff meals, and wellness initiatives.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on craft, precision, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and shape a unique sushi experience that celebrates simplicity.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Sushi Sous Chef or Senior Sushi Chef with advanced knife skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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 — a life-force shaped by nature and the hands that honour it. ‘Mana’ is the spiritual energy that exists beneath the surface of all things. It is felt rather than seen — transforming emotion into experience, and a meal into memory.
Guided by this belief, MA/NA will offer a seamless blend of restaurant and bar, 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 of MA/NA, from design and service to sound and light, is intentional. Each detail celebrates the extraordinary within the simple.
The Role — Sushi Sous Chef
As Sushi Sous Chef, you will play a central leadership role in the opening brigade, working closely with the Executive Chef and Head Sushi Chef to shape and deliver MA/NA’s sushi and raw bar offering. You will support menu development, lead service on the sushi counter, and mentor junior chefs, while maintaining the highest standards of technique, product handling and presentation. You will uphold calm, precision and respect for craft, understanding that each cut, grain of rice and moment of service contributes to the guest experience. This is an opportunity to work with exceptional seafood, advanced Japanese techniques and a team that values mastery, discipline and growth.
What We’re Looking For
- Previous experience as a Sushi Sous Chef or Senior Sushi Chef de Partie in a high-end, omakase or fine dining environment
- Advanced knife skills and deep understanding of fish butchery, aging and curing
- Strong knowledge of sushi rice preparation, seasoning and temperature control
- Calm leadership style with a focus on mentorship, consistency and service excellence
- Passion for Japanese culinary traditions, seasonality and continuous improvement
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and service charge
- Opportunities for growth and development within the Thesleff Group
- Training under experienced senior chefs with international backgrounds
- Staff meals and wellness initiatives
- A respectful, collaborative working environment focused on craft and precision
If you’re driven by precision, restraint, mastery and hospitality — and want to help shape a sushi program that celebrates the extraordinary within the simple — we’d love to hear from you.
Sushi Sous Chef - New Opening in City of Westminster employer: MaNa Mayfair
Contact Detail:
MaNa Mayfair Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sushi Sous Chef - New Opening in City of Westminster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Connect with chefs and industry folks on social media or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings like MA/NA.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, bring a sample of your sushi creations to an informal meet-up or even a trial shift. Let your work speak for itself — it’s all about that wow factor!
✨Tip Number 3
Research the restaurant! Get to know MA/NA’s philosophy and menu style. When you chat with the team, drop in some insights about their approach to sushi and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Sushi Sous Chef - New Opening in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Sushi: When writing your application, let your love for sushi and Japanese culinary traditions shine through. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your journey in the kitchen and what sushi means to you.
Highlight Your Skills: Make sure to emphasise your advanced knife skills and knowledge of fish butchery. We want to see how your expertise aligns with our high standards, so don’t hold back on showcasing your technical abilities!
Be a Team Player: Since you'll be mentoring junior chefs, it’s important to convey your leadership style in your application. Talk about how you foster a collaborative environment and support your team in achieving excellence.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at MA/NA!
How to prepare for a job interview at MaNa Mayfair
✨Know Your Sushi Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your sushi knowledge before the interview. Understand the different types of sushi, fish butchery techniques, and the importance of rice preparation. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your passion and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Sushi Sous Chef, you'll be expected to lead and mentor junior chefs. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a team in the past, focusing on your calm leadership style and how you maintain service excellence under pressure.
✨Emphasise Your Attention to Detail
MA/NA values precision and craft, so be ready to talk about how you ensure every dish is perfect. Share specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference in the guest experience or improved kitchen operations.
✨Express Your Passion for Japanese Cuisine
Let your enthusiasm for Japanese culinary traditions shine through. Discuss any experiences you've had with seasonal ingredients, advanced techniques, or how you continuously seek to improve your skills. This will resonate well with the ethos of MA/NA.