Japanese Specialty Chef

Alha Flight Services trading as dnata catering; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5 weeks annual leave

Free onsite parking

EAP 24/7

Career development

Retail discounts

Job summary

dnata catering is seeking a Japanese Specialty Chef in Sydney to plan and direct the preparation of authentic Japanese meals for airline customers. You will supervise a large kitchen team and work alongside the Executive Chef in charge of Production to cost multi-course menus and meet client requirements.

You will manage stock, costs, and production across Economy to First Class meals, ensuring HACCP compliance and high quality.

Qualifications

• Experience in traditional and modern Japanese cuisine.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP, quality standards.
• Proven leadership in a large kitchen team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare authentic Japanese hot and cold cuisine.
• Produce high-volume meals for airline and catering clients.
• Manage stock, ordering, equipment, and minimise wastage.
• Lead, organise, and supervise kitchen operations and staff.
• Oversee food production, packing, and tray set activities.
• Prepare meals to recipe specifications, including dietary requirements.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, HACCP, quality, and recipe standards.
• Monitor labour costs, food costs, waste, and budget performance.
• Contribute to Japanese menu and product development.

Skills

Japanese cuisine

Leadership

Food safety

Budgeting

Communication

Education

Commercial Cookery

Japanese culinary techniques

Job description

Start your journey with dnata catering & retail, where the sky is the limit!

About Us

Part of the Emirates Group, dnata catering & retail is Australia’s leading inflight catering and retail partner. We support many of the world’s most recognised airlines, delivering award‑winning meals and exceptional service that create memorable inflight dining experiences for thousands of travelers each day.

About the Role

As a Japanese Specialty Chef, you will be responsible for planning and directing food preparation in our kitchens for our Airline Customers Japanese meals. This exciting hands on role will supervise a team of kitchen staff, as well as managing daily operational and production challenges.

You will be responsible for assisting our Executive Chef in charge of Production to plan, develop and cost multi-course menus for Economy, Business Class and First Class meals and liaise with our Japanese clients on requirements and specific food orders.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare authentic Japanese hot and cold cuisine.
• Produce high-volume meals for airline and catering clients.
• Manage stock, ordering, equipment, and minimise wastage.
• Lead, organise, and supervise kitchen operations and staff.
• Oversee food production, packing, and tray set activities.
• Prepare meals to recipe specifications, including dietary requirements.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, HACCP, quality, and recipe standards.
• Monitor labour costs, food costs, waste, and budget performance.
• Contribute to Japanese menu and product development.

About you

• Experience in traditional and modern Japanese cuisine; Japanese language skills preferred but not essential.
• Background in premium hospitality, luxury dining, hotels, casinos, cruise ships, or high-volume catering.
• Relevant qualifications in Commercial Cookery and/or Japanese culinary techniques.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP, quality, and WHS standards.
• Experience in airline or commercial catering preferred.
• Proven leadership experience in a large team environment.
• Halal food handling experience desirable.
• Strong financial, communication, and organisational skills.
• Flexible to work across a 24/7 operation & ability to obtain a clear National Police Check.

Benefits

• 5 weeks annual leave and competitive salary.
• Free onsite parking, meals and uniforms
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) available 24/7.
• Career development and progression supported by dedicated training.
• Discounts at hundreds of retailers, novated leasing and wellbeing resources.

At dnata, we value an inclusive and respectful workplace and welcome applications from all backgrounds and abilities.

The Recruitment process

includes interviews, health checks, reference and criminal history checks, and verification of working rights. Please note, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

For more information on careers at dnata catering & retail please visit

www.dnatacateringcareers.com.au