Head Chef Chinese Cuisine (Menu Development & Kitchen Leadership)

Ravintola konnichiwa Kotka
Finland
Full time
Direct hire
Updated: 5/11/2026
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About the role

We are looking for an experienced Head Chef specialising in Chinese cuisine to lead our kitchen and drive the development of our menu. This is a senior position for a chef who not only executes at a high standard, but who can also conceptualise, test, and refine new dishes that elevate our offering and keep it fresh for returning customers.

You will take ownership of the kitchen from daily operations and quality control to training junior staff and shaping the culinary direction of the restaurant.

Key responsibilities

  • Lead daily kitchen operations and ensure consistent quality across all dishes

  • Develop new dishes and refresh the menu in line with seasonal availability, customer feedback, and culinary trends

  • Adapt and balance flavour profiles across multiple regional Chinese cuisines (e.g. Sichuan, Cantonese, Hunan, Shandong, Northeastern, etc.)

  • Source and evaluate ingredients, manage supplier relationships, and control food costs

  • Train, mentor, and supervise kitchen staff; maintain a positive and efficient team culture

  • Ensure full compliance with Finnish food safety and self-monitoring regulations (omavalvonta)

  • Collaborate with management on pricing, portioning, and promotional menu items

What we are looking for

  • Substantial professional experience as a chef in Chinese cuisine, with at least several years in a head chef or senior sous chef role

  • Deep, demonstrable knowledge of multiple Chinese regional cuisines and confident command of their distinct seasoning techniques, sauces, and cooking methods

  • Proven ability to develop original dishes from concept and recipe testing to costing and final menu integration

  • Strong leadership skills and experience managing a kitchen team

  • High standards for hygiene, organisation, and consistency

  • Ability to work under pressure during busy service

  • Hygiene Passport (hygieniapassi) or willingness to obtain one upon hire

  • Working proficiency in Chinese is required; conversational English or Finnish is an advantage

Language requirements:

Required:

- Fluent Chinese (Mandarin) working language of the kitchen,

required for reading Chinese recipes, ingredient labels, and

communicating with Chinese-speaking kitchen staff and suppliers

Considered an advantage (eduksi katsotaan):

- English or Finnish for communication with management,

authorities, and non-Chinese-speaking colleagues

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a short cover letter describing your culinary background, the regional cuisines you specialise in, and examples of dishes you have developed.

Applications can be sent through Työmarkkinatori or directly to.

We review applications on a rolling basis and encourage early submissions.

Translated