Head Chef / Executive Chef

Description

We are seeking an experienced Head Chef to lead a wagyu-focused Japanese fine dining restaurant in Tanjong Pagar. The role involves overseeing all culinary operations, ensuring excellence in taste, presentation, and authenticity, while driving menu innovation and maintaining Michelin-level standards. You will play a key leadership role in managing the kitchen team, developing seasonal menus, and enhancing the brand’s prestige. EA License Number: 22C1267 EA Personnel: R22110252

Responsibilities and Duties

* Design menus and create seasonal dishes that highlight ingredient seasonality and regional authenticity * Select suppliers and manage ingredient sourcing for quality and stability * Establish and standardize cooking processes and kitchen workflows * Lead, train, and evaluate sous chefs and junior staff * Manage food costs, inventory, and minimize waste * Ensure hygiene and food safety standards (HACCP) are met * Deliver consistent plating and culinary presentation to fine dining standards * Collaborate with service staff to enhance the guest dining experience * Represent the restaurant at tastings, media events, and promotional activities * Mentor junior chefs and contribute to talent development and succession planning

Qualifications and Requirements

* At least 10 years of experience in high-end Japanese cuisine (kaiseki, kappo, or fine dining washoku) * Proven leadership in managing a kitchen team of 5 or more staff * Strong expertise in traditional Japanese culinary techniques (grilling, simmering, frying, steaming, dashi-making) * Excellent skills in ingredient selection, menu development, and plating aesthetics * HACCP certification or equivalent food safety knowledge preferred * Ability to adapt to intercultural environments; overseas experience an advantage * Mandarin or Japanese communication skills an advantage for guest interactions * Knowledge of beverage pairings (sake, wine; sommelier certification a plus) * Basic English or local language skills for team collaboration

Working Condition

Working hours

Permanent full-time role, 5.5-day work week including weekends and public holidays