Japanese Sous Chef

Gate Gourmet; Greater London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Gate Gourmet seeks a Specialty Sous Chef to lead in authentic Japanese cuisine, crafting standout dishes and guiding a high-performance kitchen. You will shape global menus, oversee specialty production, and drive culinary innovation on a worldwide stage.

You will mentor diverse teams, enforce HACCP and top-tier safety standards, and elevate efficiency, yield, and productivity in a premium, high-volume setting.

Qualifications

• Proficient in authentic Japanese cuisine and techniques.
• Strong leadership and mentoring abilities in a fast-paced kitchen.
• Solid knowledge of HACCP and global food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Japanese cuisine

Team leadership

HACCP knowledge

High-volume operation

Menu development

Education

Culinary qualification

Tools

Recipe management software

Job description

Step Into a High-Impact Culinary Role – Become Our Specialty Sous 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 Specialty Sous Chef to join 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 Sous Chef or Head Chef in a Japanese culinaryenvironment
• Strong background in a 5-star premium dining or high-volume culinary operation
• A natural ability to lead, motivate, and developa diverse culinary team
• Sound knowledge of HACCPand 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
• It is vital that you are fleunt in Jaranese language

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