Confirmation email
After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation immediately. We will do our best to process your application as quickly as possible. You will receive a response within two weeks, at the latest.
Cook III - Yamazato Kitchen
On the ground floor of Hotel Okura Amsterdam, you will find the authentic Japanese Yamazato Restaurant. Here, more than fifty specialties from the traditional kaiseki ryori cuisine, the Japanese haute cuisine, are served. With the use of typically Japanese materials in the interior and the adjacent garden – which features beautiful cherry blossoms in spring – you will feel as though you are in Japan. The authentic Japanese Yamazato Restaurant has been awarded one Michelin star since 2002. The standards that apply to the kaiseki cuisine differ greatly from those of modern Japanese cuisine. The Yamazato menu is composed according to the classic kaiseki structure. The kitchen distinguishes itself by focusing on the purity of seasonal, traditional Japanese ingredients. The style is minimalist, and all dishes are carefully balanced: from taste and texture to appearance and color. Japanese tradition is also reflected in the tableware and the kimonos worn by the waitresses.
As a Cook III, you work according to fixed instructions regarding ingredients, recipes, working methods, and visual presentation. The role reports to a subject matter supervisor.
Standard Tasks:
• Preparation of dishes – Assess ingredients, prepare tools, and cook dishes according to recipes, carrying out quality checks and making adjustments when necessary.
• Plating – Plate dishes and check that they meet presentation requirements before serving.
• Cleaning – Clean kitchen and equipment, report irregularities, dispose of waste, and assist with receiving and storing deliveries.
• Optimization – Monitor usage and make suggestions for improvements to menus, recipes, and cooking methods.
Operational Tasks:
• Preparation – Work with fresh ingredients and various (including specialized) techniques; adapt to guest preferences and use specific tools.
• Presentation – Ensure varied and high-quality plating that defines the restaurant’s image.
• Quality Control – Assess ingredients and dishes based on product knowledge and taste.
• Improvement – Identify bottlenecks in the kitchen process and make suggestions for improvement, such as recipe adjustments.
Competencies:
• Learning – Knows own strengths and weaknesses, is open to feedback, and strives for ongoing development.
• Commitment – Takes initiative, aims for quality, and takes responsibility.
• Accuracy – Works in an orderly manner, checks own work, and follows procedures.
• Stress Resistance – Remains calm under pressure and continues to work purposefully.
What we ask:
• MBO level 3 work and thinking level
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in an authentic Japanese kitchen
• Experience in a Michelin-starred kitchen is a plus
• Experience in a kaiseki kitchen is a plus
• Basic level of English
What we offer:
- Contract: 1 year, with the possibility of extending. We want you to stay!
- Salary: Group 6. Minimal €2.566,15, 5% above the Horecao CLA
- Bonus: 1 week salary when the hotel reaches the budgeted GOP (Gross Operating Profit) level and you get a minimum total score of successful in your yearend evaluation
- 8% holiday allowance (pro rata)
- 25 days of annual leave (pro rata);
- General pension scheme of Horeca and Catering;
- Supplementary pension scheme of Nationale Nederlanden;
- General survivor's pension;
- Attractive family and friends rates on overnight stays at Hotel Okura Amsterdam;
- Once a year staff discount in one of the restaurants (50%);
- Staff discount in restaurants (20%);
- Contribution to travel expenses from 10 km
- Study Development budget of €1000
- After obtaining the probationary period, you will receive an overnight stay with breakfast as a gift (2 people)
Application Procedure
Below is a brief overview of our application process.
Introduction via phone
Once your application has been evaluated, we will call you for a brief chat and ask you a few questions about your application. We will also explain the next steps in the application process.
Interview
In this interview, we get to know each other better. We are pleased to share information about Hotel Okura Amsterdam and the position and there is room for you to ask your questions. Of course, we are also curious about you and whether we are a match!
Reference check
We will ask you to provide a reference from your previous employer(s) and we will ask them a few short questions.
Offer
Congratulations on your new position! We much look forward to welcoming you as our new colleague soon! We will call you to shortly talk you through our offer and you have the opportunity to ask your questions. After that, you will receive the offer via email.
