Executive Chef in Leeds

Executive Chef in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 80000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a high-profile kitchen and create an innovative Japanese fusion menu.
  • Company: Smyth & Co, a visionary restaurant group launching a landmark dining experience.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary of £80,000+, performance incentives, and creative freedom.
  • Other info: Opportunity for long-term progression and to build a top-tier reputation.
  • Why this job: Join a prestigious opening and make your mark in London's culinary scene.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef in Michelin-starred kitchens and a passion for Japanese cuisine.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.

A rare and career-defining opportunity has emerged for an exceptional Executive Chef to lead one of London’s most anticipated new restaurant openings. This is a high-profile, design-led, internationally backed concept set to make serious waves across the capital’s dining scene.

Centred around refined Japanese fusion cuisine, the restaurant will blend precision, creativity, and theatre—targeting both critical acclaim and commercial success from day one.

The Role

As Executive Chef, you will take full ownership of the culinary vision—from concept development through to launch and beyond. You will be the driving force behind a kitchen built on excellence, innovation, and consistency at the highest level.

  • Leading, inspiring, and developing a high-performance brigade
  • Creating a menu that balances authentic Japanese techniques with modern, global influences
  • Working closely with ownership on brand, identity, and long-term strategy
  • Delivering standards aligned with Michelin-level execution and ambition

What We’re Looking For

  • Proven experience as a Head Chef / Executive Chef within Michelin-starred or equivalent elite kitchens
  • Strong grounding in Japanese cuisine (or a genuine, demonstrable passion and understanding)
  • A natural leader—calm, decisive, and able to build culture as well as dishes
  • Experience in openings or high-profile environments is highly desirable
  • A chef who combines creativity with commercial awareness

What’s In It For You

  • £80,000+ salary with performance-related incentives
  • The opportunity to lead a flagship opening with serious backing
  • Full creative input and long-term progression potential
  • A platform to build a reputation at the very top end of the London market

This is a role for a chef who wants more than just a kitchen—it’s for someone ready to define a destination.

For a confidential discussion, apply now or contact Smyth & Co directly.

Executive Chef in Leeds employer: Smyth & Co

Smyth & Co offers an extraordinary opportunity for talented chefs to thrive in a high-profile, design-led environment in London. With a focus on innovation and excellence, the company fosters a dynamic work culture that encourages creativity and personal growth, providing competitive salaries and performance-related incentives. This is not just a job; it's a chance to lead a flagship restaurant opening and make a significant impact in the culinary scene.
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Contact Detail:

Smyth & Co Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Executive Chef in Leeds

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Attend industry events, pop into local restaurants, and connect with fellow chefs. You never know who might have the inside scoop on that dream Executive Chef role.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your culinary flair! Create a portfolio showcasing your best dishes and any unique concepts you've developed. This will help you stand out when chatting with potential employers.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t just apply—engage! When you find a position that excites you, reach out directly to the hiring team. A personal touch can make all the difference in landing that high-profile opening.

✨Tip Number 4

Stay updated on trends in Japanese cuisine and fusion concepts. Being knowledgeable about the latest culinary movements will not only impress but also show your passion for the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Executive Chef in Leeds

Visionary Leadership
Culinary Vision Development
Japanese Cuisine Expertise
Menu Creation
Team Leadership
High-Performance Brigade Development
Michelin-Level Standards Execution
Creativity in Culinary Arts
Commercial Awareness
Experience in Restaurant Openings
Cultural Building
Decisiveness
Collaboration with Ownership
Long-Term Strategic Planning

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Japanese Cuisine: Make sure to highlight your love and understanding of Japanese cuisine in your application. We want to see how your culinary journey has shaped your skills and creativity, so don’t hold back!

Demonstrate Leadership Skills: As an Executive Chef, you’ll be leading a team, so it’s crucial to showcase your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've inspired and developed your brigade in previous roles—this will really resonate with us.

Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! Tailor your application to reflect the unique aspects of this role. We’re looking for someone who can blend creativity with commercial awareness, so make that clear in your writing.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on this extraordinary opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at Smyth & Co

✨Know Your Cuisine Inside Out

Make sure you have a solid understanding of Japanese cuisine and fusion techniques. Brush up on key ingredients, cooking methods, and presentation styles that are essential for this role. Being able to discuss your favourite dishes and how they can be innovatively adapted will impress the interviewers.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As an Executive Chef, you'll need to lead a high-performance team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen brigade in the past. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop talent, as well as how you handle challenges and maintain a positive kitchen culture.

✨Prepare Your Culinary Vision

Think about what your culinary vision would be for this new restaurant. Be ready to discuss potential menu ideas that blend authentic Japanese techniques with modern influences. This shows your creativity and understanding of the brand's identity, which is crucial for this high-profile opening.

✨Research the Company and Concept

Familiarise yourself with Smyth & Co and their vision for this restaurant. Understand their goals, target audience, and what sets them apart in the London dining scene. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in being part of their extraordinary journey.

Executive Chef in Leeds
Smyth & Co
Location: Leeds
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