Executive Chef (Japanese cuisine)

Aqua Restaurant Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounts at Aqua venues

Birthday off

Long service leave

Ongoing training and development

Wagestream access

Food provided during breaks

Discounted gym membership

Refer a friend £500

Job summary

Aqua Kyoto and Shiro, part of Aqua Restaurant Group in London, seek an Executive Chef to drive the culinary direction and mentor the teams. You will oversee menus, kitchen operations and standards across multiple venues, delivering exceptional Japanese-inspired dishes.

Lead a skilled culinary team, manage inventory and costs, and uphold food safety while embracing seasonal ingredients and high-quality presentation. Eligible to work in the UK is required.

Qualifications

• Culinary Expertise: guide kitchen, create authentic and innovative dishes using seasonal ingredients.
• Team Leadership: mentor kitchen staff, oversee training and performance evaluations.
• Operational Management: manage inventory, costs, cleanliness and food safety.

Responsibilities

• Culinary Expertise: create recipes for success and guide the kitchen in presenting authentic and innovative dishes.
• Team Leadership: lead, mentor and inspire the culinary team, overseeing training and performance evaluations.
• Operational Management: ensure efficient kitchen operations, inventory control, cost management, and hygiene standards.

Skills

Culinary expertise

Team leadership

Operational management

Job description

Join one of the world’s leading and award-winning hospitality groups with outlets featured in the Michelin Guide. The group currently has restaurants London, Paris, Hong Kong, New York City, Miami and Dubai. We currently have 25 venues globally, 7 of which are in London, with a few more exciting openings to be added to the group's portfolio in the near future.

The group’s philosophy has always focused on world class leading edge lifestyle dining where we insist on using the freshest seasonal sustainable produce. Award winning designs and music are integral parts of our brands, as our venues showcase jaw-dropping interiors, award-winning cooking with strong attention to every detail.

As our Executive Chef for Japanese cuisine for Aqua Kyoto and Shiro, you will be the visionary driving the culinary direction of our restaurant and mentoring our team.

Where are we located?

Aqua Kyoto is located atop a former department store in the heart of London’s West End, Aqua Kyoto offers a breath-taking setting that captures the essence of Tokyo's vibrant Ginza distri ct.

At Aqua Kyoto, guests are invited to experience the artistry of contemporary Japanese cuisine. Our menu features an exquisite array of sushi and sashimi, alongside bold and inventive dishes crafted from the robata grill and hot kitchen, offering a truly unforgettable dining experience.

Shiro is a Japanese restaurant and bar located at Liverpool Street’s Upper Broadgate Cir cle.Hugely popular in our home Hong Kong, Shiro cuisine is inspired by Japan’s foodie hot spots; Ginza, Shinjuku and Shibuya in Tokyo.

What we bring to the table:

• Dine with us: Enjoy discounts at all Aqua venues
• Celebrate YOU: Take your birthday off and earn additional long service leave
• Grow with us: Ongoing training and development to support both your professional and personal development
• Financial well-being: Manage your pay with ease through Wagestream & enhance your financial knowledge
• Breaks: Food provided during your breaks
• Work out: Discounted gym membership
• Share the Talent: Bring a friend on board and get £500

Your day at Aqua

• Culinary Expertise: Create recipes for success and guide the kitchen in creating and presenting authentic and innovative dishes, ensuring each menu item reflects the highest standards of quality, flavour, and presentation while embracing traditional techniques and seasonal ingredients
• Team Leadership: Manage, mentor, and inspire the culinary team, fostering a positive and collaborative environment, overseeing staff training, and conducting performance evaluations to promote professional growth and culinary excellence
• Operational Management: Ensure efficient kitchen operations by managing inventory, controlling food costs, maintaining cleanliness, and upholding food safety and hygiene standards, while actively engaging in menu development, special events, and overall culinary strategy

Salary for this role is up to £90,000 gross per year (including service charge) + discretionary bonus.

Where there is water, there is life & where there is life, you will find us!

Dive into a world of culinary innovation and memorable dining experiences, where your love for food and hospitality can shine.

All applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

Aqua Restaurant Group welcomes individuals from all backgrounds and is committed to creating an inclusive work environment. If you require reasonable adjustments to make your experience more accessible, please let us know.