Chef de Cuisine

Osaka Restaurants; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

Growth opportunities

Brand recognition

Job summary

Osaka Restaurants in Chicago is seeking a Head Chef to lead a fast‑paced kitchen focused on traditional Japanese and Nikkei cuisine. You will drive quality, cost control, and menu development in a premier dining destination, collaborating with the Executive Chef, Sous Chefs, and front‑of‑house leadership.

You will own staffing, staff training, and performance, while building a high‑energy team in a high‑volume environment that rewards discipline, creativity, and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• 3+ years as Head Chef or Sous Chef in Nikkei restaurants.
• Experience leading teams in high-volume kitchens.
• Strong knowledge of fish, seafood, and GMP standards.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily kitchen operations and service readiness.
• train and evaluate staff on techniques, recipes, and food safety.
• Manage budgets, food cost targets, and inventory.
• Ensure sanitation and hygiene compliance across the kitchen.
• Collaborate on menu development and seasonal specials.
• Coordinate with FOH and HR for staffing and performance.

Skills

Nikkei cuisine

Team leadership

Kitchen operations

Education

Culinary training

Tools

Kitchen systems

Job description

Chicago, IL | Full-Time | Premium Fine Dining Concept

About The Opportunity

Are you a culinary leader ready to run a high-volume kitchen at the top of its game?

We're looking for an experienced Head Chef to lead all kitchen operations at a premier dining destination in Chicago.

In this role, you'll work closely with the Executive Chef, Sous Chef, and Head Itamae to drive consistent quality, operational efficiency, and financial performance across the kitchen. You'll have real ownership over staffing, training, cost control, and menu development, in a fast-paced, high-energy environment built around traditional Japanese and Nikkei cuisine.

What You'll Do

• Lead & Develop: Oversee daily kitchen operations, coordinating and delegating across Sous Chefs, Itamaes, and kitchen staff to ensure efficient workflow and service readiness
• Train & Build Culture: Train, develop, and evaluate kitchen staff on culinary techniques, recipes, and food safety standards, fostering a high-performance team
• Drive Profitability: Manage kitchen budgets, food cost targets, and inventory controls; supervise purchasing, receiving, and storage to support financial efficiency
• Manage Operations: Implement line checks before and after each service, maintain stock rotation, and ensure the kitchen is fully prepared and audit-ready at all times
• Ensure Compliance: Uphold sanitation, food safety, and hygiene regulations, maintaining a clean, organized kitchen environment
• Collaborate & Innovate: Contribute to menu development and propose seasonal or special dishes, ensuring recipe standardization and alignment with brand strategy
• Partner Cross-Functionally: Maintain effective communication with FOH leadership and participate in recruitment, evaluations, and disciplinary processes with HR

What We're Looking For

• Experience: 3+ years as Head Chef or Sous Chef in Nikkei cuisine restaurants, with proven experience leading teams of chefs in high-volume kitchens
• Expertise: Strong knowledge of fish and seafood (types, characteristics, seasonality) and traditional Japanese and Nikkei cuisine
• Food Safety: In-depth knowledge of food contamination risk control and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Business Acumen: Comfort with input control, recipe standardization, cost management, and inventory oversight
• Leadership: Ability to communicate effectively, develop talent, promote engagement, and lead a team in a fast-paced environment

Education

Professional culinary training or technical studies in Gastronomy or Culinary Arts is preferred but not required — demonstrated expertise counts.

Technical Skills

• Intermediate to advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office and kitchen system platforms
• Advanced English communication skills (written and verbal); Spanish preferred
• Food Safety Certification (or willingness to obtain)

What We Offer:

• 401k
• Medical, vision, dental, and life insurance are provided to all employees.
• The chance to work with an internationally recognized brand
• Growth and development opportunities
• Dynamic, multicultural team environment
• Competitive salary and benefits package

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