Chef de Cuisine - Yamazato Kitchen

Hotel Okura Amsterdam is an international five-star hotel and a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. With 300 rooms, six restaurant concepts, including two restaurants awarded a total of three Michelin stars, two bars, extensive event facilities hosting up to 2,000 guests and an exclusive health club, we operate at the highest level of hospitality. Our ambition is clear: to continuously improve and exceed expectations.

About Yamazato

Yamazato is an authentic Japanese restaurant awarded one Michelin star. The restaurant is renowned for its traditional Japanese Kaiseki cuisine, where respect for seasonal ingredients, craftsmanship, precision and Japanese culinary traditions are at the heart of everything we do.

The kitchen brigade consists of both Japanese and Western chefs working closely together. This combination of cultures and culinary backgrounds makes Yamazato unique and requires strong leadership, knowledge sharing and mutual understanding.

The Role

As Chef de Cuisine of Yamazato, you are the connecting link between the Executive Chef and the international kitchen brigade. You play a key role in translating the authentic Japanese culinary vision into the daily kitchen operation.

Working closely with the Executive Chef, you ensure that Yamazato’s culinary philosophy, techniques and quality standards are understood, embraced and consistently delivered throughout the team.

You lead a brigade consisting of approximately 60% Western and 40% Japanese team members. This cultural diversity requires a leader who can bring different backgrounds together, create mutual respect and understanding, and inspire the team to perform at the highest level.

You are a visible, hands-on and supportive leader who develops people, encourages craftsmanship and motivates the team to deliver at Michelin-star level every day.

What You Will Do

• Lead the daily kitchen operation, taking responsibility for people management and team development.
• Translate the culinary vision and standards of the Executive Chef into daily kitchen practices.
• Act as the bridge between Japanese and Western team members, fostering mutual respect and cultural understanding.
• Coach, motivate and develop the team in craftsmanship, discipline and quality.
• Contribute to menu development and culinary innovation in close collaboration with the Executive Chef.
• Maintain consistency, presentation and food quality at Michelin-star level.
• Actively support training, knowledge sharing and the development of Japanese culinary skills within the brigade.
• Independently maintain and develop relationships with local suppliers.
• Monitor food cost, productivity, quality and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP guidelines, food safety regulations and Hotel Okura Amsterdam’s operational standards.
• Work closely with the Executive Chef, Director of Food & Beverage and other F&B departments.

What We Are Looking For

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in professional kitchens, preferably within fine dining or a Michelin-starred restaurant.
• Strong leadership skills and proven experience in managing and developing a kitchen brigade.
• Knowledge of and affinity with Japanese cuisine and culinary culture.
• The ability to connect people from different cultural backgrounds and create a strong team spirit.
• A coaching and motivating leadership style, combined with a strong presence in the kitchen.
• A strong eye for detail, quality and culinary excellence.
• Commercial awareness and knowledge of food cost and kitchen productivity.
• Excellent command of the English language, both spoken and written.
• Knowledge of Japanese is an advantage but not a requirement.

What we offer

• Contract: 1 year, with the possibility of extension; we want you to stay!;
• Salary: Group 8. Click here for the salary overview;
• Bonus: 1 month's salary upon achieving the budgeted GOP (Gross Operating Profit) and a successful year-end evaluation;
• 8% holiday allowance (pro rata);
• 25 vacation days per year (pro rata);
• Compensation for national holidays;
• We invest in your personal and professional development with a €1,000 training and development budget;
• The Hospitality Collective Labour Agreement (Horeca CAO) applies;
• General Pension Scheme for Hospitality and Catering;
• General Survivor's Pension;
• Fun staff events, such as our annual staff party, Sinterklaas celebration, team outings and bootcamps;
• Attractive family and friends rates for overnight stays at Hotel Okura Amsterdam;
• 50% staff discount at one of our restaurants once a year;
• 20% staff discount in our restaurants;
• Travel allowance from 10 km one-way;
• Parking spot in the hotel garage during working hours
• After successfully completing your probationary period, you will receive an overnight stay with breakfast for two, so you can experience the hotel as a guest!

Interested?

Would you like to play an important role in the continued development of Yamazato and inspire an international kitchen brigade to deliver exceptional culinary experiences every day?

We would love to meet you. Apply now. We will be in touch shortly.