Head Chef

At Dean Group, we reimagine hospitality with character, not conformity. Founded in Dublin and now growing across Europe and the US, we create hotels shaped by personality, culture, and a heart-led hustle. Each of our hotels, restaurants, bars and gyms tells its own story, brought to life through humble hospitality and genuine human connection. Our people are at the centre of it all. They show up with individuality, warmth and curiosity, shaping who we are and how guests experience our hotels every day. We welcome fresh thinking and imagination, because playing it safe never made anything unforgettable.

We're currently seeking a Head Chef for our new restaurant Ibasho at The Dean, Munich. If you have demonstrated success in managing kitchen operations and teams, we'd love to hear from you!

Key Areas

• Culinary Leadership & Menu Development
• Kitchen Management
• Cost Control & Financial Management
• Creative Development & Brand Identity
• Business Growth & Strategy

Job Purpose

The Head Chef will be responsible for the overall management of the kitchen, including menu development, team leadership, operational efficiency, and maintaining exceptional food quality. The ideal candidate combines deep respect for Japanese culinary heritage with innovation, precision, and strong business acumen.

Key Deliverables

Culinary Leadership & Menu Development

• Design and execute a modern Japanese menu grounded in traditional techniques (e.g., dashi preparation, knife skills, fermentation, grilling, and seasonal sourcing)
• Continuously evolve dishes while maintaining authenticity and balance
• Lead research and development of new offerings, including seasonal menus and tasting concepts
• Ensure consistency, presentation, and quality across all dishes

Kitchen Management

• Oversee all kitchen operations, including prep, service, and hygiene standards
• Recruit, train, and mentor kitchen staff, fostering a disciplined and collaborative culture
• Implement and maintain standard operating procedures
• Ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation regulations

Cost Control & Financial Management

• Manage food cost percentages, labour costs, and waste control
• Develop efficient ordering systems and maintain strong supplier relationships
• Monitor inventory, portion control, and yield management
• Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and profitability strategies

Creative Development & Brand Identity

• Contribute to the overall creative vision of the restaurant
• Collaborate with ownership on concept development, storytelling, and guest experience
• Stay informed on global culinary trends while maintaining a clear identity
• Participate in marketing initiatives, events, and collaborations

Business Growth & Strategy

• Support long-term growth, including potential expansion, new concepts, or additional locations
• Build scalable kitchen systems and training frameworks
• Identify opportunities for innovation and operational improvement
• Play a key role in establishing the restaurant as a leading destination in its category

Preferred Experience

• Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in high-quality Japanese or modern Asian cuisine
• Strong foundation in traditional Japanese cooking techniques and ingredients
• Experience in opening or relaunching restaurant concepts is highly desirable
• Demonstrated success in managing kitchen operations and teams
• Solid understanding of financial performance metrics and cost control
• Exceptional leadership and team development skills
• Strong organisational and operational management ability
• High level of creativity with attention to detail and presentation
• Deep understanding of flavour balance, seasonality, and product sourcing
• Commercial awareness and financial discipline
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Passion for Japanese cuisine and culture
• Driven, ambitious, and forward-thinking
• Strong work ethic with a hands-on approach
• Commitment to excellence and continuous improvement
• Collaborative mindset with strong communication skills

Benefits:

• Global discounted staff room rates across the group
• 50% off Food and 25% Beverage across the group
• Increased Annual Leave with Service
• Friends and Family discount
• Gym Membership Discounts*
• Continual training and development
• Career progression within the Group
• Gratuities*
• Meals on shift*
• Refer a friend scheme
• Wellness at work events and access to wellness platform
• Employment Assistance Programme
• Group discounts for cinema tickets, shopping deals etc
• Team appreciation days
• Service recognition
• Regular fun-filled activities and gatherings for all teams across the group

*Applicable to certain positions

#HP