Sous Chef

Kioku by Endo; Whitehall; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days paid holiday

Staff meals on duty

Employee discounts

Wagestream access to earned pay

Job summary

Kioku by Endo on the sixth floor of Raffles London at The OWO seeks a talented Sous Chef to join the senior kitchen team. You will lead the kitchen, run the pass and develop the brigade across sections, delivering the high standards expected in a Michelin-inspired setting.

You will work closely with Chef Endo, shaping menus and coordinating with sushi and front-of-house teams to ensure a seamless dining experience in London.

Qualifications

• Previous experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous Chef in fine dining or luxury hotel kitchens.
• Japanese kitchen experience is a real advantage.
• Strong leadership and ability to train a brigade.
• Clear communication and team-first attitude.
• Solid understanding of food costs and kitchen admin.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen alongside the Head Chef and run it in their absence.
• Run the pass and ensure every dish leaves at the highest standard.
• Lead, train and develop the brigade from Commis to Junior Sous Chef.
• Contribute to menu development, tastings and seasonal changes.
• Manage ordering, stock control, supplier relationships and waste.
• Assist with food costs and gross profit targets.
• Plan rotas and support recruitment for the kitchen team.
• Lead on food safety, HACCP and allergen procedures.
• Communicate clearly with front of house and sushi team.

Skills

Leadership

Training

Communication

Japanese cuisine familiarity

Food safety HACCP

Attention to detail

Menu development

Evening/weekend work flexibility

Job description

Sous Chef - Kioku

Kioku by Endo sits on the sixth floor of Raffles London at The OWO, the former Old War Office, with views across Whitehall, Westminster and the London skyline. Kioku means “memory” in Japanese. The menu tells the story of third generation sushi master Endo Kazutoshi’s life, bringing together his Japanese heritage and his Mediterranean training. As part of Creative Restaurant Group, we’re looking for a talented Sous Chef to join our senior kitchen team and grow with us.

The Role

As Sous Chef, you will work closely with the Head Chef to lead the kitchen and keep standards high across every section, every service. Our menu covers nigiri and sashimi, prime meats and fish from the robata grill, and dishes with a Mediterranean influence, served across the main dining room, the chef’s table and the private dining room in the turret. You will run the pass, develop your team and help shape the menu, working as one team with the sushi and front of house teams to deliver an experience like no other in London.

This is a brilliant opportunity for an experienced chef who wants to lead a kitchen alongside one of the world’s most respected sushi masters.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading the kitchen alongside the Head Chef and running it in their absence
• Running the pass and making sure every dish leaves to the highest standard
• Leading, training and developing the brigade, from Commis to Junior Sous Chef
• Contributing to menu development, tastings and seasonal changes
• Managing ordering, stock control, supplier relationships and waste
• Helping manage food costs and gross profit targets
• Planning rotas and supporting recruitment for the kitchen team
• Leading on food safety, hygiene, HACCP and allergen procedures
• Running briefings and keeping clear communication with front of house
• Working closely with the sushi team to keep service seamless

What We’re Looking For

Previous experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous Chef in a fine dining, Michelin starred or luxury hotel kitchen is essential. Japanese kitchen experience is a real advantage.

You will need:

• Excellent technical skills and a sharp eye for detail
• A deep respect for produce and a real interest in Japanese cuisine
• Proven experience leading, training and motivating a kitchen team
• A calm, organised approach under pressure
• A good understanding of food costs, ordering and kitchen admin
• Strong knowledge of food safety, HACCP and allergen management
• Clear communication and a team first attitude
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays

Salary:

Competitive, based on experience, plus benefits

Why Join Us?

At Creative Restaurant Group, we want people to build careers, not simply fill roles. You will lead alongside Chef Endo and an experienced senior kitchen team. As your skills develop, you’ll have genuine opportunities to progress into Senior Sous Chef and Head Chef positions across the group.

• Lead a kitchen in one of London’s most remarkable rooftop restaurants
• Work directly with Chef Endo and his team
• Real input into menu development
• Clear opportunities for career progression
• The chance to grow across Creative Restaurant Group, including ENDO, SUMI and IGNI
• 28 days paid holiday
• Staff meals while on duty
• Employee discounts across participating restaurants
• Wagestream access to your earned pay

Bring your skill, leadership and attention to detail to Kioku, and help us create dishes our guests will remember.

Note: Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without corporate sponsorship.

Compensation: Competitive salary