At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented kitchen team and create an innovative Japanese menu.
- Company: Wolves of Tokyo, a contemporary Japanese restaurant in Olympia.
- Benefits: Health insurance, gym discounts, free therapy, and exciting career development.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that celebrates individuality and offers fantastic growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Bring your culinary vision to life and create unforgettable dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience as a Head Chef in fine dining or authentic Japanese cuisine.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Incipio curates beautiful spaces with vibrant atmospheres for great times. Wolves of Tokyo, a bold and contemporary Japanese restaurant, is set to open as part of the iconic Olympia development this summer. We're seeking a visionary Head Chef to bring our menu to life, combining traditional Japanese techniques with modern flair to deliver an unforgettable, premium dining experience.
The Role:
As Head Chef, you’ll be the heart of the kitchen, leading a talented team and shaping an innovative menu that captures the energy and precision of Japanese cuisine.
We Expect You To:
- Collaborate with the Food team to curate and develop both core and seasonal menus with an innovative sushi concept whilst honouring Japanese traditions.
- Lead your team in preparing and presenting sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese dishes with precision and artistry.
- Dramatise the guest experience utilizing our live theatre kitchen.
- Ensure the use of the freshest, highest-quality ingredients, with a focus on sourcing premium fish and traditional Japanese techniques.
- Engage with guests to share insights into ingredients and techniques, adding theatre through storytelling and live demonstrations.
- Mentor and train your team in sushi preparation, knife skills, yakitori, large plates, and the philosophy of Japanese cuisine.
- Own and deliver GP to budget, determining food inventory needs including managing stock, waste and ordering.
- Have total responsibility for ensuring the kitchen meets all regulations including sanitary and food safety guidelines.
- Ensure strict adherence to food hygiene practices and maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and safety.
- Work in collaboration with the Central Production Manager to ensure quality and inventory needs are met.
- Manage and own the kitchen labour spend, rota planning to budget.
- Ensure recruitment is in line with company guidelines, recruiting brilliant skill and the correct people to elevate your team’s delivery.
- Biannually conduct team performance reviews, consistently train your team, encourage development and company engagement with initiatives such as Kitchen Collabs and Apprenticeship Schemes.
- Engage with various programs whether that’s in Development or Kitchen Engagement initiatives.
Who You’ll Be:
- A proactive and warm leader, high energy and someone who loves to bring people together.
- Extensive experience as a Head Chef in a fine dining or authentic Japanese restaurant.
- Demonstrate mastery of knife skills and traditional Japanese techniques, including fish filleting and sushi rice preparation, with expertise in sushi-making and modern Japanese cuisine.
- Have a keen eye for standards and take pride in every dish served.
- Creative, innovative and forward thinking.
- Multitasker, expert delegator and loves being in the thick of it.
- Someone who keeps calm when the tickets ramp up and service is in full flow.
- Someone who our chefs can aspire to be.
Benefits & Best Bits:
- Vitality Package: Dental, Optical and Health insurance. Gym membership discounts + other rewards.
- Self Space: Free Therapy through Self Space. Accessible to anyone who works for Incipio.
- Hugely exciting career development, with opportunities to grow and expand in this role as the business grows.
- Bonus capacity paid annually.
- Company awards and events.
- Sickness & Compassionate Pay.
- Incentive trips (Wine trips to Portugal and Ski Trips to France).
- Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Adoption leave.
- Incipio FC + Seasonal Socials.
- 50% discount for food and drink in all our venues.
- Length in service; earn additional holiday after 2 years continuous service.
Incipio & Inclusivity:
We’re all about celebrating individuality & inclusivity. At Incipio, we believe diverse teams make the best teams. That’s why we welcome applications from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives; regardless of race, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you uniquely you. If you need any adjustments during the application process, just let us know. We’ve got you!
Head Chef - Japanese Restauant, New Opening in London employer: Wolves of Tokyo
Incipio is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates individuality and inclusivity. As the Head Chef at Wolves of Tokyo, you will lead a talented team in a dynamic environment, with opportunities for career development and exciting benefits such as health insurance, therapy sessions, and incentive trips. Join us in creating unforgettable dining experiences while enjoying a supportive atmosphere that values your growth and creativity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - Japanese Restauant, New Opening in London
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Wolves of Tokyo. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Wolves of Tokyo
Don't be shy about reaching out to Wolves of Tokyo directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - Japanese Restauant, New Opening in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Wolves of Tokyo and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wolves of Tokyo
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
