Head Sushi Chef - Omakase
Yugen | South Yarra, Melbourne
Two-Hat Restaurant | Japanese Omakase

THE OPPORTUNITY
Yugen is seeking an exceptional Head Sushi Chef to lead the Omakase experience at one of Melbourne's most distinctive Japanese restaurants.

Recognised with Two Hats, Yugen is built around precision, quality, Japanese technique and a contemporary interpretation of Japanese dining. Our Omakase is an intimate expression of that philosophy - centred around exceptional seafood, seasonality, craftsmanship and the relationship between chef and guest.

We are looking for a chef who can take ownership of this experience and help define the next chapter of Yugen Omakase.

This is an opportunity for a highly skilled sushi chef to step into a genuine leadership position, with the creative influence and responsibility to shape the menu, standards, team and guest experience.

THE ROLE

- Leading the Omakase sushi team and daily kitchen operations
- Designing and evolving the Omakase menu
- Selecting and working with premium seasonal seafood
- Maintaining exceptional standards of sushi rice, knife work, curing, ageing and preparation
- Developing relationships with trusted seafood suppliers and producers
- Creating a considered progression of dishes throughout the Omakase experience
- Maintaining rigorous standards around quality, consistency, hygiene and food safety
- Training, mentoring and developing the sushi team
- Building a strong culture of discipline, respect and continuous improvement
- Working collaboratively with the broader Yugen culinary and restaurant teams




- Engaging directly with guests and communicating the story and philosophy behind the food
- Contributing to menu costing, product utilisation and kitchen profitability
- Driving innovation while respecting the foundations of Japanese sushi craftsmanship

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

- Significant experience in a high-end sushi or Japanese restaurant
- Previous experience leading a sushi section or Omakase kitchen
- Exceptional knife skills and technical sushi knowledge
- A deep understanding of premium seafood and seasonality
- Strong knowledge of sushi rice preparation and seasoning
- Experience with traditional Japanese techniques including curing, ageing, fermentation and preservation
- An understanding of Japanese culinary culture and etiquette
- Exceptional attention to detail
- The ability to lead and inspire a team
- Strong communication and organisational skills
- A genuine desire to continually improve and evolve
- The confidence to work in front of guests and create a memorable chef-to-guest relationship

YOUR STYLE
You are a chef who cares about the details.
You understand that the quality of the fish is only the beginning. The rice, temperature, knife cut, seasoning, timing,



progression and interaction with the guest all matter.
You have the confidence to lead, but the humility to keep learning.
You are disciplined, curious and commercially aware - and you understand that a great restaurant is built through consistency, not just creativity.
Most importantly, you want to create an Omakase experience that guests remember.

WHY YUGEN?
Yugen is part of a leading Melbourne hospitality group and operates within the luxury Capitol Grand precinct in South Yarra.
You will join a team that is responsible about food, hospitality and creating experiences at the highest level.

- Lead the sushi program of a Two-Hat restaurant
- Have genuine influence over the direction of Yugen Omakase
- Work with exceptional Australian seafood and premium produce
- Lead and develop a talented culinary team
- Collaborate with experienced culinary leadership
- Build a strong personal reputation within Melbourne's dining scene
- Be part of the continued evolution of one of Melbourne's leading Japanese dining experiences

THE OPPORTUNITY
This is not a role for someone looking for a title.
It is for a chef who wants ownership.
Someone who wants to build a team, develop a point of view and create an Omakase experience that reflects their craft while contributing to the broader vision of Yugen.

If you are an exceptional sushi chef ready to lead at the highest level, we would like to hear from you.

Apply now with your CV and a brief introduction outlining your experience and culinary philosophy.

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