Head Chef
Role: Head Chef
Location: Hakuba
Contract term: Seasonal/Full Time
Period: November 2026 - March 2027
Work hours: Average of 40 hours per week
ABOUT US
Hakuba Hotel Group (HHG) is comprised of a young and dynamic international team offering the largest portfolio of boutique hotels, premium chalets and apartments and international food & beverage outlets in prime locations throughout the Hakuba Valley.
THE ROLE OVERVIEW
Lead the kitchen brigade as our Head Chef. Step into the role of Head Chef and command our culinary operations. Your skill and leadership will drive the creation of exceptional dishes, setting high standards for taste and presentation. Your expertise will guide the kitchen team to deliver top-notch dining experiences. If you're passionate about cooking and ready to take the lead in a dynamic kitchen environment, join us and lead our dedicated team of professionals.
HEAD CHEF DUTIES
- Culinary Leadership: Lead and direct the kitchen team in creating and executing menu items with precision and creativity. Develop and innovate dishes that align with the restaurant's culinary vision and customer preferences.
- Food Preparation: Oversee food preparation processes, including cooking techniques, portion control, and presentation. Ensure that dishes are prepared to the highest standards of taste, appearance, and quality.
- Kitchen Organization: Maintain a well-organized and efficient kitchen workspace, including proper storage of ingredients, equipment, and tools. Implement systematic cleaning routines to ensure a sanitary and safe cooking environment.
- Team Management: Train, mentor, and motivate kitchen staff, ensuring seamless collaboration and efficient operations. Assign tasks, set expectations, and monitor performance to achieve optimal productivity.
- Quality Control: Conduct regular quality checks on dishes to uphold consistent taste, portion sizes, and presentation. Address any discrepancies or inconsistencies promptly to maintain culinary excellence.
- Menu Development: Contribute to the creation and refinement of menus, considering seasonality, trends, and customer preferences. Continuously explore new ingredients, techniques, and recipes to enhance the culinary offerings.
- Inventory Oversight: Manage kitchen inventory, including monitoring stock levels, optimizing ingredient usage, and minimizing waste. Collaborate with procurement to ensure timely and accurate ingredient orders.
WHAT YOU NEED
- Legal right to live and work in Japan
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Willingness to work flexible hours, evenings, mornings, weekends, and holidays, as per the requirements of the establishment
- Ability to handle a fast-paced and dynamic work environment and to stand for long periods, lift heavy objects (such as kegs or cases of beverages), and handle the physical demands of the job
- Strong work ethic and a team first mentality
- Japanese or international license preferred
- Ability to commit until March 31, 2027
WHAT WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO BE LIKE
- You speak Japanese or English but ideally both
- You are reliable and trustworthy
- You care about your appearance
- You have a great team spirit and easily connect with others
- You have a guest-first approach to hospitality
WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU
- A competitive salary
- Employee bonus program
- Happo One lift ticket
- Discounts on local restaurants and rental shops
- A variety of shift patterns to allow for plenty of time on the mountain
- The opportunity to live and work and play in one of the world's snowiest ski resorts
- A friendly, enjoyable work environment with great people around you
HEAD CHEF SHIFTS
Head Chefs are expected to work at least 40 hours per week in flexible shifts that can cover breakfast, lunch or dinner. There are a variety of shifts available including 8 hour shifts, split shifts, and 4 hour shifts.
ACCOMMODATION
HHG provides staff accommodation in central Hakuba (mainly in Happo Village, Wadano, and Kamishiro). Options include shared, dormitory, or private rooms depending on your role.