Head Chef - W1D 5ND

Maki Nori

London• £14.10 - £15.38 p/h (typical earnings up to £16-£17 with tips included) •Full time

Pay Rate: £14.10 - £15.38 p/h (typical earnings up to £16-£17 with tips included)

Hours: 45-50 per week (hours are negotiable)

Role: Full-time Head Chef

Commencement Date: ASAP

Location: 15 Moor Street, Soho, London, W1D 5ND


We’re Maki Nori — a modern, Japanese-inspired dining concept celebrating elevated sushi, refined small plates, and thoughtful hospitality. With a strong focus on exceptional produce, precision, and warm, attentive service, we aim to deliver a memorable and refined experience for every guest.


We are looking for an experienced and driven Head Chef with Sushi experience to lead the kitchen from launch and help shape the culinary identity of this exciting new restaurant. This is a rare opportunity to play a key role in opening a premium site, setting standards, building a team, and contributing creatively to a growing concept.


If you’re passionate about sushi, thrive in a high-quality, detail-driven environment, and are ready to take the next step in your career, we’d love to hear from you.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead the kitchen from pre-opening through launch, setting standards across sushi and hot plates
  • Own execution of sushi and refined small plates, ensuring consistency, quality, and presentation
  • Be hands-on during service, overseeing fish prep, rice quality, knife work, and hot dishes
  • Develop and evolve menus in line with Nori’s elevated concept and commercial goals
  • Recruit, train, and lead a small kitchen team, fostering a calm and professional culture
  • Set clear expectations and train across Japanese techniques and modern small-plate cooking
  • Work closely with Front of House to deliver a seamless guest experience
  • Manage ordering, stock, suppliers, food costs, and wastage
  • Ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, and allergen standards
  • Lead by example under pressure, maintaining pace and precision


Required Skills and Experience:

  • Experience as a Head Chef or strong Senior Sous Chef in a quality-led restaurant
  • Strong sushi capability, including fish handling, rice preparation, and knife skills
  • Proven ability to lead both sushi and hot plate sections
  • Experience running a small, high-expectation kitchen
  • Confident people manager with strong training and leadership skills
  • Solid commercial awareness, including GP and cost control
  • Strong knowledge of food safety and allergen compliance
  • Calm, organised, and hands-on during service
  • Opening or launch experience is a plus
  • Passion for quality, precision, and elevated dining


Job Type: Full-time


Benefits:

  • Bereavement leave
  • Company pension
  • Discounted or free food
  • Employee discount


Experience:

  • Cooking: 2 years (required)
  • Head Chef: 1 year (required)


Licence/Certification:

  • Food Safety Level 2 or above (preferred)
  • Food Allergen Training


Language:

  • Fluent in English speaking


Work Location: In person