Job Description & Core Responsibilities
Omakase & Kaiseki Menu Curation:
Design high-end, multi-course dining experiences that balance traditional Japanese culinary philosophy with innovative, modern gastronomy.
Exacting Knife Mastery & Prep Supervision:
Oversee and execute elite
itamae
skillsets, including intricate fish breakdown (
tsukuri
), precise sashimi slicing, aging techniques (
jukusei
), and traditional curing (
shime
).
Counter Service Guest Interaction:
Lead the interactive counter experience for guests, explaining the origin, seasonality, and story behind each dish or ingredient.
BOH Shokunin Mentorship:
Recruit, train, and instill the rigorous discipline of Japanese kitchen culture (
shokunin
craftsmanship) in the back-of-house brigade, specifically refining their precision knife and plating skills.
Waste & Yield Management:
Maintain precise cost control over exceptionally high-cost, perishable air-flown goods, optimizing yield tracking and minimizing waste while maintaining uncompromising Michelin-level quality.
FOH & Beverage Collaboration:
Partner with certified Sake Sommeliers (
Kikisake-shi
) to design cohesive beverage pairings that elevate the flavor profiles of the changing seasonal menu.
Key Requirements & Qualifications
Elite Culinary Background:
Typically
5 to 10+ years
of professional experience in premium Japanese cuisine, with at least 3 years in an Executive Chef or senior
Itamae
role at a luxury resort, Michelin-starred, or critically acclaimed
Omakase
venue.
Technical Mastery:
Deep technical mastery across traditional disciplines:
Agemono
(frying/tempura),
Yakimono
(grilling),
Nimono
(simmering), and elite
Sushi/Sashimi
construction.
Cultural & Sourcing Fluency:
A profound understanding of Japanese seasonality, micro-seasons, and the geographical origins of premium ingredients.
Language Proficiency (Preferred):
Fluency or professional proficiency in
Japanese
is highly preferred to facilitate daily direct ordering and negotiations with Japanese market suppliers and agricultural networks.
EPICUREANS PTE. LTD.