Japanese Sous Chef

gategroup; Wembley; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

gategroup is seeking a Specialty Sous Chef focused on authentic Japanese cuisine. You will lead a skilled kitchen team, shape exceptional menus, and drive culinary innovation across our operation.

Reporting to the Head Chef, you’ll ensure top-quality plates and a consistent dining experience that travels globally. Ideal candidates bring leadership, HACCP knowledge, and a track record in premium or high-volume environments.

Qualifications

• Experience as Sous Chef or Head Chef in a Japanese cuisine setting.
• Background in 5-star premium dining or high-volume operation.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop a diverse kitchen team.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP and global food safety standards.
• Familiarity with modern kitchen systems and recipe management tools.
• Culinary qualification; extra leadership or sustainability training is a bonus.
• Fluent in Japanese language.

Responsibilities

• Create standout dishes and cutting-edge menus blending tradition with innovation.
• Lead specialty food production ensuring quality, consistency, culinary brilliance.
• Own the menu presentation experience, inspiring clients with creativity.
• Guide and uplift kitchen teams, leading when Head Chef is away.
• Champion excellence in food safety and compliance to global standards.
• Boost operational performance, maximise yield and minimise waste.
• Drive innovation across global culinary initiatives and development.

Skills

Japanese cuisine

Leadership

Food safety

Menu development

High-volume ops

Tools

Recipe management tools

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 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
• 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