Kitchen Manager

Choji Yakiniku; Willoughby City Council; On-site; AUD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Hanasuki, part of the Azabu Group, is seeking a Kitchen Manager in Chatswood. This hands-on role leads busy service with a focus on quality, consistency, and warm hospitality in a Japanese-inspired venue.

You will supervise prep, service, cleanliness, and station management; train and coach junior staff; ensure recipe compliance and HACCP food safety; manage stock and labor within budget; collaborate with FOH to deliver great guest experiences.

Qualifications

• 1-2 years of experience in a similar hospitality role.
• Strong practical cooking skills and an eye for detail, flavour and presentation.
• Thrives in a busy, service-driven environment and stays calm under pressure.
• Understands food safety, allergen management and HACCP principles.
• Natural leadership with the ability to guide and motivate others.

Responsibilities

• Lead by example during service, upholding quality and presentation standards.
• Support day-to-day kitchen operations including prep, service, cleanliness and station management.
• Train, coach and supervise junior kitchen team members.
• Ensure all dishes are executed to recipe, portion and brand standards.
• Uphold food safety, hygiene and WHS requirements at all times.
• Manage stock control, ordering, delivery checks and waste.
• Contribute to roster planning and labour within budget.
• Assist menu execution and seasonal/promotional changes.
• Collaborate with Front of House to maintain smooth guest experiences.

Skills

Cooking skills

Leadership

Communication

Calm under pressure

Food safety

Job description

Join Azabu Group, an award-winning hospitality collective inspired by Japanese craftsmanship and creativity. We're currently seeking a Kitchen Manager to join the team at Hanasuki in Chatswood - high-energy, Japanese-inspired venues known for quality, consistency, and warm neighbourhood hospitality.

This is a hands-on role for a motivated kitchen professional who wants to step up in responsibility, support day-to-day kitchen operations, and grow into a future leadership position.

About Hanasuki

Hanasuki is a Japanese hotpot restaurant in Chatswood specialising in shabu-shabu & sukiyaki. Guests enjoy cooking thinly sliced meats and fresh vegetables in rich broths at the table, creating a cosy and communal dining experience. The focus is on clean flavours, quality ingredients and thoughtful presentation. The kitchen team works with precision and care to deliver beautifully prepared broths, sauces and accompaniments every service.

About the Role

As Kitchen Manager, you will play a key role in running a smooth, consistent and high-performing kitchen. Your responsibilities will include:

Leading by example during service and setting the standard for quality and presentation

Supporting day-to-day kitchen operations, including prep, service, cleanliness and station management

Training, coaching and supervising junior kitchen team members

Ensuring all dishes are executed to recipe, portion and brand standards

Upholding food safety, hygiene and WHS requirements at all times

Stock control, ordering, delivery checks and waste management

Providing input into roster planning and helping to manage labour within budget

Supporting menu execution and implementation of seasonal or promotional changes

Working closely with FOH to maintain smooth communication and guest satisfaction

Skills & Qualifications:

Has 1-2 years experience in similar role in hospitality setting

Brings strong practical cooking skills and an eye for detail, flavour and presentation

Thrives in a busy, service-driven environment and stays calm under pressure

Understands food safety, allergen management and HACCP principles

Shows natural leadership qualities, with the ability to support, guide and motivate others

Communicates clearly and works collaboratively with the wider team

Is keen to learn, grow and take on more responsibility over time

Why You'll Love Working With Us

Work in a popular, established venue with a loyal local following

Opportunities to grow into more senior kitchen management roles

Exposure to a broader group of award-winning venues across the hospitality group

Supportive leadership team that values development, training and progression

Please Note:

Applicants must have unrestricted working rights in Australia or New Zealand. Sponsorship is not available for this role.