Head Chef - Japanese Restaurant

JR United Kingdom; Slough; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious modern Japanese fine dining restaurant set to open in Kensington seeks an experienced Head Chef. In this leadership role, you will shape the culinary identity and guest journey while driving excellence in a world-class kitchen environment. This is a rare opportunity to design and lead a kitchen that blends tradition with modern luxury.

Benefits

Luxury-level benefits

Exclusive brand collaborations and events

Uniform and laundry provided

Above industry standard Pension and Holiday entitlements

State-of-the-art kitchen

Qualifications

• Experienced Head Chef with a proven background in luxury dining environments.
• Deep understanding of Japanese cuisine and a genuine passion for its craft.
• Experience in new openings and confident in kitchen planning.
• Natural leader thriving in detail-driven environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead the launch and full kitchen setup, including layout design.
• Build and train a high-performance brigade across kitchen sections.
• Develop a refined, seasonal menu celebrating modern Japanese cuisine.
• Oversee daily service with Michelin-level discipline and finesse.
• Drive all aspects of BOH operations, including cost control and innovation.

Skills

Leadership

Japanese cuisine

Team building

Cost control

Innovation

Job description

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Head Chef – Luxury Modern Japanese Restaurant – New Opening – Kensington

? Kensington, London | Up to £68,000 + Outstanding Benefits

We are recruiting a Head Chef for the launch of a stunning new modern Japanese fine dining restaurant, opening October 2025 in the heart of Kensington. This is a rare opportunity to take creative and operational leadership of a luxury opening — set within a design-led space offering panoramic views over London.

With a clear focus on precision-led Japanese techniques, exceptional produce, and elevated guest experience, the concept blends the elegance of fine dining with the soul of authentic Japanese cooking.

What We Offer:

• Salary up to £68,000, depending on experience
• A comprehensive package of luxury-level benefits:
• Exclusive brand collaborations and events
• Supplier visits and excursions
• Uniform and laundry provided
• Above industry standard on Pension / Holiday and other entitlements
• Staff Dining and enhanced care for you and the team
• A state-of-the-art kitchen, designed in collaboration with the incoming Head Chef
• A leadership role in one of the capital’s most anticipated new openings

Your Role:

• Lead the launch and full kitchen setup, including layout design, supplier sourcing, and equipment selection
• Build and train a high-performance brigade across all sections — hot, sushi, robata, tempura, pastry
• Develop a refined, seasonal menu celebrating modern Japanese cuisine with international influence
• Oversee daily service with consistency, calmness, and detail — maintaining Michelin-level discipline and finesse
• Work closely with the Executive Team to shape the culinary identity and guest journey from day one
• Champion a kitchen culture built on professionalism, mentorship, and excellence
• Drive all aspects of BOH operations, including cost control, compliance, training, and innovation

About You:

• An experienced Head Chef with a proven background in luxury dining environments
• A deep understanding of Japanese cuisine and a genuine passion for its craft, culture, and seasonal sensibility
• Experienced in new openings — confident in kitchen planning, team structuring, and supplier coordination
• A natural leader who thrives in high-performance, detail-driven environments
• Organised, composed, and collaborative — someone who inspires confidence in their team
• Committed to creating a kitchen culture that values growth, standards, and creativity

This role offers the rare opportunity to design and lead a world-class kitchen from the ground up — combining the elegance of Japanese tradition with the innovation of modern luxury dining.

Apply now to shape the future of one of London’s most exciting new culinary destinations.