At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Sous Chef in delivering exceptional Japanese cuisine and leading the kitchen team.
- Company: Exciting new restaurant blending refined Japanese dining with a vibrant bar experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, staff meals, and a supportive creative environment.
- Other info: Collaborate with talented chefs and contribute to menu development in a dynamic 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.
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 employer: MaNa Mayfair
MA/NA is an exceptional employer that offers a unique opportunity for aspiring chefs to thrive in a high-end, collaborative kitchen environment in the heart of Mayfair. With a focus on Japanese cuisine and a commitment to precision and craftsmanship, employees benefit from competitive salaries, career progression, and the chance to work alongside talented professionals in a supportive atmosphere that values creativity and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Sous Chef
✨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! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even a short video showcasing your cooking techniques. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to restaurants you admire, like MA/NA, and express your interest. A personal touch can make all the difference in landing that interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Stay updated on Japanese cuisine and cooking techniques. Consider taking a short course or workshop to enhance your skills. This shows your commitment and passion, making you a standout candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Sous Chef
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 emphasise your attention to detail in your application. Whether it's about food presentation or maintaining hygiene standards, we want to know how you ensure consistency in your work.
Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills:We’re looking for someone who can lead and motivate a team. In your application, share examples of how you've supported or trained others in the kitchen. This will show us that you have the right 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 to ensure we see your application and gives you a chance to showcase your skills in the best light!
How to prepare for a job interview at MaNa Mayfair
✨Know Your Japanese Cuisine
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Japanese ingredients and techniques. Being able to discuss your favourite dishes or how you would incorporate seasonal ingredients into the menu will show your passion and understanding of the cuisine.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Junior Sous Chef, you'll need to lead and motivate the team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team in the past, highlighting your calm and organised approach to leadership.
✨Emphasise Attention to Detail
MA/NA values precision and consistency, so be ready to discuss how you maintain high standards in your cooking. Bring up specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference in the quality of a dish or service.
✨Be Ready for Practical Questions
Expect some practical questions or even a cooking test during the interview. Practise common techniques and be prepared to demonstrate your skills under pressure, showcasing your ability to maintain excellent mise en place and hygiene.
