Looking for a Head Chef with experience cooking western food to assist with setting up and opening an Australian owned cafe in trendy Shimo-Kitazawa in Tokyo. 

With a strong coffee focus and Jewish deli inspired menu (pastrami sandwiches, cured salmon, fried chicken, pickles) we are aiming for this to be the first of many of our stores in Japan. 

We are currently looking for an individual with  6+ years cooking experience with at least 3 years experience at a head chef level. Since the owners are english speakers, we are looking for a candidate with at least daily conversation level of English. Experience in setting up/opening other venues in the past would be considered a huge plus, as well as experience cooking overseas.

The ideal candidate will be able to assist with:

• Recruiting and training the kitchen team

• Liaising with suppliers and contractors in the setting up of the cafe

• working with the Operations Manager to write the final menu, and establish the cooking and preparation systems for the newly built kitchen.

• Setting up workflow and ordering systems for the Kitchen, including inventory, health + safety systems, cleaning schedules and staff rosters. 

Once the cafe is operational the candidate will be responsible for:

• Working directly in the daily kitchen operations and running the kitchen team.

• overseeing the prep and production systems

• communicating with suppliers and other agencies to maintain the operations 

• Control the costs and quality of the business to maintain high standards and remain profitable

• Helping to grow and expand the business to further shops

Since we have recently secured our property in Shimokitazawa and are currently in the construction stages, we anticipate that this role will initially start as a part time role during the shop fit-out period, and progress to a full-time role once the venue is closer to opening. 

What we can offer is a very competitive salary of 300,000 - 400,000 JPY per month, based on experience, with plenty of room for growth within the organization. This is an excellent chance to join a growing brand at the ground floor, and a great opportunity to oversee multiple venues in future with an expanded role. 

Please send resume and a cover letter to Jo@bigfishgk.jp and we will be in touch. Please write the cover letter in english and explain why you are well suited for this.