Head Chef

gategroup - Operational; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A global culinary company is seeking a dynamic Head Chef to lead its elite culinary team. This role involves crafting authentic Japanese cuisine and driving innovation in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Responsibilities include creating standout dishes, mentoring kitchen staff, and ensuring the highest standards of food safety and quality. An ideal candidate will possess a strong culinary background, leadership skills, and a recognized culinary qualification. Join us to shape exceptional culinary experiences enjoyed worldwide.

Benefits

Creative and fast-paced environment

Opportunities for leadership growth

Influence on global culinary standards

Qualifications

• Strong experience as a Head Chef or in a Japanese culinary environment.
• Background in 5-star or high-volume culinary operations.
• Ability to lead and develop a diverse culinary team.

Responsibilities

• Create standout dishes showcasing authentic Japanese cuisine.
• Lead specialty food production ensuring quality and consistency.
• Guide kitchen teams and uphold excellence in food safety.

Skills

Leadership

Culinary Innovation

Food Safety

Team Motivation

Education

Recognised culinary qualification

Tools

Recipe management tools

Job description

We’re looking for motivated, engaged people to help make everyone’s journeys better.

Japanese Head Chef

Step Into a High-Impact Culinary Role – Become Our Specialty Head Chef and Let Your Japanese Cuisine Expertise Shine on a Global Stage!

Are you a chef with passion, precision, and a flair for innovation?

We’re searching for a dynamic and talented Head Chef to lead our elite culinary team. Reporting to the Head Chef, you’ll take centre stage in crafting exceptional dishes rooted in authentic Japanese cuisine, while driving creativity and excellence across our entire operation.

This is more than a kitchen role — it’s your chance to influence menus enjoyed around the world, lead projects that shape global culinary standards, and bring bold ideas to life.

What You'll Be Doing

• Create standout dishes and cutting-edge menus, blending tradition with innovation and showcasing authentic Japanese flavours.
• Lead specialty food production, ensuring every plate delivers quality, consistency, and culinary brilliance.
• Own the menu presentation experience, inspiring clients with creativity, clarity, and confident culinary storytelling.
• Guide and uplift kitchen teams, acting as a role model and stepping up as a leader when the Head Chef is away.
• Champion excellence in food safety and compliance, maintaining the highest global standards.
• Boost operational performance, maximising yield, minimising waste, and elevating productivity.
• Drive innovation across global culinary initiatives, shaping new concepts and contributing to exciting development initiatives.

What You’ll bring to the table

We’re looking for a chef who is both talented and forward-thinking. You will have:

• Strong experience as a Head Chef or Head Chef in a Japanese culinary environment
• Strong background in a 5-star premium dining or high-volume culinary operation
• A natural ability to lead, motivate, and develop a diverse culinary team
• Sound knowledge of HACCP and global food safety standards
• Familiarity with modern kitchen systems and recipe management tools
• A recognised culinary qualification — extra leadership or sustainability training is a bonus

Why Join Us?

This role offers the chance to contribute to an organisation recognised for its global culinary standards, innovation, and commitment to excellence. You’ll work in a creative, fast-paced environment where your ideas are valued, and your culinary expertise helps shape customer experiences worldwide.

You’ll join a team that thrives on creativity, collaboration, and pushing culinary boundaries. This is your chance to:

• Make your mark on menus enjoyed globally
• Bring fresh ideas to life in an environment that celebrates innovation
• Grow as a leader while doing what you love every day
• Work with high-performing professionals who share your passion for excellence

If you’re ready to elevate your career, lead with creativity, and deliver culinary excellence at an international scale in a role that genuinely matters, we’d love to hear from you.

If you want to be part of a team that helps make travel and culinarymemories, join us!