Head Chef

About the role

For our new premium Japanese izakaya concept located at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, built around Japanese craftsmanship, charcoal fire cooking and a contemporary dining experience, we are looking for an experienced and passionate Head Chef to lead our culinary team and play a key role in developing our izakaya into one of Kuala Lumpur's leading Japanese dining destinations.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage the overall kitchen operations and culinary team.
• Maintain consistently high standards of food quality, presentation and taste.
• Develop, refine and maintain our menu together with management.
• Oversee Japanese cuisine including yakitori, robatayaki, sashimi, sushi, grilled dishes, izakaya dishes and seasonal specialties.
• Establish recipes, portion sizes, plating standards and kitchen SOPs.
• Manage food cost, inventory, purchasing, wastage and overall kitchen profitability.
• Recruit, train, supervise and develop kitchen team members.
• Plan manpower deployment and ensure smooth kitchen operations during peak periods.
• Ensure strict compliance with food safety, hygiene and cleanliness standards.
• Work closely with the management and front-of-house team to continuously improve the overall guest experience.

About you

• Proven experience as a Head Chef, Executive Chef, Sous Chef or senior culinary leader, preferably within a Japanese restaurant, izakaya or premium dining environment.
• Strong knowledge of Japanese ingredients, preparation techniques and kitchen operations.
• Experience in yakitori, robatayaki, charcoal grilling, sushi/sashimi or modern Japanese cuisine will be highly advantageous.
• Strong leadership and team-management capabilities.
• Good understanding of food costing, inventory control and kitchen profitability.
• Ability to maintain high standards while operating in a fast-paced restaurant environment.
• Creative, disciplined and passionate about Japanese cuisine.
• Strong sense of responsibility, attention to detail and commitment to consistency.
• Ability to build and develop a strong kitchen team.

Benefits

• Attractive and competitive remuneration package
• Performance and sales-based incentives
• Opportunity to lead the culinary direction of a new flagship Japanese restaurant
• Strong career growth opportunities as the brand expands
• Supportive management with the resources and ambition to build our brand into a recognised Japanese dining brand