At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Sous Chef in delivering exceptional Japanese cuisine and leading the kitchen team.
- Company: Join MA/NA, a unique restaurant blending Japanese dining with an intentional atmosphere.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, training opportunities, staff meals, and a supportive creative environment.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team that values precision and creativity.
- Why this job: Grow your culinary skills in a flagship London opening with a focus on craftsmanship.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-end kitchens and a passion for Japanese cuisine required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About MA/NAMA/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 London employer: MaNa Mayfair
Contact Detail:
MaNa Mayfair Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Sous Chef in London
✨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 attending workshops. This not only boosts your skills but also shows your commitment to growth, which is super appealing to employers.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Sous Chef in London
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 of how you've maintained high standards in your previous roles. This could be anything from plating techniques to hygiene practices.
Demonstrate Your Leadership Skills: We want to know how you lead and motivate a team. Include instances where you've supported your colleagues or contributed to a positive kitchen culture. This shows us you're not just a great chef, but also a great teammate!
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 keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right hands!
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. 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
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 prepared to talk about how you maintain high standards in your cooking. Bring up specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference in the kitchen.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Growth
Express your ambition to grow within the culinary field and contribute to the restaurant's success. Share your ideas on menu development or seasonal changes, showing that you're not just looking for a job, but a place to thrive.