Head Chef MUGEN

Kadlia Pty Ltd; Sydney; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Visa sponsorship considered for select

Job summary

Kadlia Group announces a distinguished Head Chef opportunity for MUGEN, a luxury Japanese dining destination in Sydney. You will lead a high-calibre kitchen alongside Executive Chef Shinya Nakano, driving culinary excellence, innovation and operational discipline on a world-class stage.

We seek an accomplished leader with a track record in top-tier Japanese dining or global hospitality, capable of building an elite team, managing costs and delivering exceptional guest experiences.

Qualifications

• Proven senior leadership experience in acclaimed Japanese premium-dining restaurants or internationally recognised hospitality groups.
• Experience at renown restaurants and establishments of comparable calibre will be highly regarded.
• Exceptional Japanese culinary knowledge, technical ability and attention to detail.
• Strong commercial understanding of kitchen financial performance, food and labour costs.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, motivate and retain outstanding kitchen teams.
• Excellent communication, organisation and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and inspire a high-performing kitchen brigade.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef on menu development, innovation and culinary execution.
• Deliver exceptional food quality, consistency, presentation and guest experiences.
• Oversee all kitchen operations including sushi, robata, omakase, à la carte and private dining.
• Manage food costs, labour, purchasing, rostering, stock control and profitability.
• Recruit, train and develop talented chefs while maintaining accountability and discipline; ensure food safety and hygiene.

Skills

Senior leadership

Japanese cuisine knowledge

Menu development

Communication skills

Budgeting and cost control

Job description

HEAD CHEF — MUGEN

LUXURY JAPANESE DINING | NEW DEVELOPMENT CHIFLEY , SYDNEY CBD

A world-class stage for exceptional culinary talent. Opening Mid 2027

MUGEN is an ambitious new luxury Modern Japanese dining destination by Kadlia Group, the hospitality group behind award-winning restaurants KOTO, KAZAN and INKA.

Located in one of Sydney's most prestigious new developments at Chifley Square, neighbouring acclaimed restaurants including Rockpool Bar & Grill and Grill Americano, MUGEN is being created to deliver a Japanese dining experience of international calibre.

Designed in collaboration with award-winning Japanese architect and celebrated master ceramic artisans, MUGEN represents a significant investment in craftsmanship, architecture and design. From bespoke Japanese ceramics to imported Hinoki timber and rare natural materials sourced throughout Japan, every detail is being considered to create an extraordinary dining destination.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking an exceptional Head Chef with a distinguished background in some of the world's most respected Japanese fine-dining restaurants or internationally recognised hospitality groups.

Working alongside Executive Chef Shinya Nakano, a fourth-generation Japanese chef from Osaka, you will lead the kitchen brigade, deliver the highest culinary standards and play a defining role in establishing MUGEN's reputation.

This is more than a Head Chef position. It is a platform to showcase your culinary skill, creativity and leadership on a world-class stage, supported by exceptional facilities, resources and investment.

We are looking for an accomplished chef with the confidence to perform at the highest level, the commercial discipline to run an exceptional kitchen and the humility to lead a successful team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead, mentor and inspire a high-performing kitchen brigade.
• Work closely with the Executive Chef on menu development, innovation and culinary execution.
• Deliver exceptional food quality, consistency, presentation and guest experiences.
• Oversee all kitchen operations, including sushi, robata, omakase, à la carte and private dining.
• Manage food costs, labour, purchasing, budgets, rostering, stock control and profitability.
• Recruit, train and develop talented chefs while maintaining accountability and operational discipline.
• Uphold the highest standards of food safety, hygiene and workplace compliance.
• Build a positive kitchen culture based on professionalism, teamwork and mutual respect.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Proven senior leadership experience in acclaimed Japanese premium-dining restaurants or internationally recognised hospitality groups.
• Experience at renown restaurants and establishments of comparable calibre will be highly regarded.
• Exceptional Japanese culinary knowledge, technical ability and attention to detail.
• Strong commercial understanding of kitchen financial performance, food and labour costs.
• A demonstrated ability to develop, motivate and retain outstanding kitchen teams.
• Excellent communication, organisation and leadership skills.
• A calm, composed and professional approach under pressure.

OUR CULTURE — LEADERSHIP WITHOUT EGO

At MUGEN, character is as important as culinary achievement.

We believe great chefs lead by example, develop those around them and treat every member of their team with dignity and respect.

We are seeking a confident but humble leader who values teamwork over individual recognition.

Arrogance, bullying, intimidation and disrespect have no place in our kitchen, regardless of reputation or accolades.

We want a chef who inspires people, earns respect and takes pride in building an exceptional team.

WHAT WE OFFER

• A landmark luxury Japanese restaurant in Sydney's prestigious Chifley New Development.
• The opportunity to be part of this Amazing project.
• A world-class platform to showcase culinary talent and leadership.
• Exceptional investment in kitchen facilities, architecture and design.
• A highly competitive executive remuneration package.
• Long-term career opportunities within Kadlia Group.
• Relocation assistance and visa sponsorship considered for exceptional international candidates.

• Infinite Possibilities. Limitless Hospitality.