Head Chef Japanese Cuisine

COREcruitment; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 60,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is looking for a Head Chef with extensive experience in Japanese cuisine to join a high-end restaurant in Abu Dhabi. The successful candidate will lead kitchen operations, focusing on authentic dishes, menu innovation, and maintaining high standards. A minimum of 5 years in a Head Chef position with expertise in premium sushi and Asian cuisine is required, alongside strong leadership and operational management skills. The role comes with a salary package of AED 20,000 - 25,000 plus benefits.

Benefits

Flights every two years

Medical insurance

Visa sponsorship

Qualifications

• 5+ years as a Head Chef in a high-end restaurant.
• Deep knowledge of premium Japanese and Asian cuisine.
• Experience with sushi, sashimi, Robata, Kushiyaki, and Yakitori.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen operations and ensure high standards of quality.
• Innovate menu offerings to enhance the dining experience.
• Manage staff, inventory, and supplier relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Menu Development

Japanese Cuisine Expertise

Supplier Relationship Management

Cost Control

Team Building

Job description

HEAD CHEF (JAPANESE CUISINE) - ABU DHABI

We have been retained by a growth client that is looking to strengthen their team by adding a Head Chef experienced in Japanese cuisine. The Head Chef will lead kitchen operations, focusing on authentic cuisine, menu innovation, and high standards for quality, presentation, and hygiene, while managing staff, inventory, costs, and supplier relationships to deliver an exceptional Japanese dining experience.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in premium Japanese and Asian cuisine, combined with strong leadership, operational excellence, and creative menu development skills.

Role brief:

To lead the culinary direction of the high-end Japanese dining concept. This role requires a strong leader capable of elevating the brand, shaping a high-performing team, and delivering an exceptional, refined food offering aligned with world‑class standards.

What we are loooking for:

• Currently or previously in a Head Chef position for 5+ years
• Extensive knowledge of high-end Japanese & Asian cuisine
• Strong expertise in premium sushi and sashimi
• Proven experience with Robata, Kushiyaki, and Yakitori
• Advanced menu development and recipe creation skills
• Strong understanding of market sourcing, supplier chain, and cost control
• Experience managing supplier relationships and procurement
• Proven ability in recruitment, team building, and staff development
• Strong leadership with a hands‑on, mentorship‑driven approach
• Full pre‑opening experience (concept development to launch)
• UAE‑based experience is mandatory

Salary package: AED 20 000 - 25 000 + Flights (every two years), medical and visa