Chef de Cuisine – Japanese Kaiseki Leader

Okurajobs; Amsterdam; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

1 year contract

Salary overview

1 month bonus on GOP target

8% holiday allowance (pro rata)

25 vacation days per year

Staff discounts in restaurants

Travel allowance

Parking in hotel garage

Overnight stay with breakfast after 12

Job summary

Hotel Okura Amsterdam, home of Yamazato, seeks a dynamic Chef de Cuisine to lead an international kitchen brigade and translate the authentic Japanese culinary vision into daily operations.

You will collaborate closely with the Executive Chef to deliver Michelin-star quality, mentor the team, and drive menu development while upholding the highest standards of food safety and guest experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in professional kitchens.
• Strong leadership and experience in managing and developing a kitchen brigade.
• Knowledge of and affinity with Japanese cuisine and culinary culture.
• Ability to connect people from different cultural backgrounds and create a strong team spirit.
• Coaching and motivating leadership style with a strong presence in the kitchen.
• Strong eye for detail, quality and culinary excellence.
• Commercial awareness and knowledge of food cost and kitchen productivity.
• Excellent command of English, spoken and written.
• Knowledge of Japanese is an advantage but not required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the daily kitchen operation, taking responsibility for people management and team development.
• Translate the culinary vision and standards of the Executive Chef into daily kitchen practices.
• Act as the bridge between Japanese and Western team members, fostering mutual respect and cultural understanding.
• Coach, motivate and develop the team in craftsmanship, discipline and quality.
• Contribute to menu development and culinary innovation in close collaboration with the Executive Chef.
• Maintain consistency, presentation and food quality at Michelin-star level.
• Actively support training, knowledge sharing and the development of Japanese culinary skills within the brigade.
• Independently maintain and develop relationships with local suppliers.
• Monitor food cost, productivity, quality and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP guidelines, food safety regulations and Hotel Okura Amsterdam’s operational standards.
• Work closely with the Executive Chef, Director of Food & Beverage and other F&B departments.

Skills

Leadership

Team development

English fluency

Japanese cuisine knowledge

Culinary excellence

Job description

Hotel Okura Amsterdam, home of Yamazato, seeks a dynamic Chef de Cuisine to lead an international kitchen brigade and translate the authentic Japanese culinary vision into daily operations.

You will collaborate closely with the Executive Chef to deliver Michelin-star quality, mentor the team, and drive menu development while upholding the highest standards of food safety and guest experience.