Full Job Description

Wakanda Pty Ltd trading as Don Don Japanese Restaurant is seeking an experienced and hands on Head Chef to lead its kitchen team at 80 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst NSW. This is a full-time, permanent position for a capable chef who can oversee daily kitchen operations, maintain consistent food quality and deliver authentic Japanese dishes efficiently during busy lunch and dinner services.

About the Role

As Head Chef, you will be responsible for directing the preparation, cooking and presentation of Don Don's Japanese menu, including but not limited to donburi rice bowls, katsu dishes, sushi and sashimi items, ramen and udon, tempura, gyoza, bento-style meals and related accompaniments. You will lead the kitchen team, coordinate service, maintain recipes and portion standards, manage stock and suppliers, and ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene requirements.

The role requires robust practical cooking skills, sound kitchen leadership and the ability to organise staff and production in a fast-paced restaurant offering dine-in and takeaway service. The successful candidate must be able to maintain consistent flavour, presentation and service timing while controlling food costs and minimising wastage.

Key Responsibilities

· Plan, develop and review Japanese menu items, recipes, preparation methods, portion standards and seasonal specials in consultation with management.

· Lead the preparation, cooking and presentation of Japanese dishes, including donburi, chicken and pork katsu, teriyaki dishes, sushi and sashimi, ramen, udon, tempura, gyoza, bento meals, soups, sauces and side dishes.





· Supervise all stages of food preparation and service to ensure dishes meet the restaurant's standards for flavour, freshness, portion size, presentation and temperature.

· Coordinate kitchen operations during lunch, dinner, takeaway and peak trading periods, allocating duties and ensuring timely and consistent food output.

· Estimate food and labour requirements, monitor stock levels, order ingredients and kitchen supplies, receive deliveries and maintain appropriate storage and stock rotation procedures.

· Control food costs through accurate portioning, effective purchasing, inventory monitoring, waste reduction and proper use of Japanese ingredients and specialist products.

· Recruit, train, supervise and guide chefs, cooks and kitchen assistants in recipes, preparation techniques, knife skills, cooking methods, plating standards and safe work practices.

· Work closely with restaurant management and front-of-house staff regarding bookings, customer requirements, dietary requests, service timing, menu availability and operational issues.

· Maintain a clean, safe and organised kitchen and ensure compliance with food safety, allergen management, hygiene and workplace health and safety requirements.

· Monitor kitchen equipment,



arrange routine maintenance where required, and ensure all kitchen records, temperature checks and cleaning schedules are completed accurately.

Requirements

· Minimum 1 year of relevant experience as a Head Chef, Sous Chef, Chef or in a comparable supervisory commercial kitchen role.

· Certificate IV in Commercial Cookery or an equivalent relevant qualification is preferred.

· Demonstrated knowledge of Japanese cuisine, ingredients, preparation methods and presentation standards.

· Strong culinary, menu-planning, kitchen-management and cost-control skills.

· Ability to lead a kitchen team and maintain consistent standards in a fast-paced restaurant environment.

· Good knowledge of food safety, hygiene, allergen management and kitchen compliance requirements.

· Strong communication, organisation and problem-solving skills.

· Availability to work evenings, weekends and public holidays as required.

Why Join Us?

· Competitive salary of $78,000 - $85,000 per year plus superannuation.

· Full-time, permanent employment in an established Japanese restaurant in Darlinghurst.

· Opportunity to lead the kitchen and contribute to menu quality, consistency and operational improvement.

· Hands-on leadership role with responsibility for kitchen performance, staff development and service delivery.

· Supportive workplace with scope for professional growth and long-term development.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Pay: $78,000.00 – $85,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person

📌 Head Chef (Darlinghurst)
🏢 DON DON JAPANESE RESTAURANT
📍 Darlinghurst