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- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team to create authentic Japanese dining experiences.
- Company: KIBOU, a growing independent Japanese restaurant group.
- Benefits: Up to £50k salary, employee discounts, free meals, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and shape the future of Japanese cuisine.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and team development preferred.
- Other info: Recognised as one of the Top 30 Best Places to Work in Hospitality 2025.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 £ per year.
KIBOU is an independent Japanese restaurant and bar with locations in Battersea, Cheltenham, Bristol, Solihull, Oxford, and Cambridge. Our kitchens deliver a diverse menu showcasing a variety of Japanese cuisine, all handmade or hand-rolled fresh in the kitchen daily. Our stringent sourcing policy ensures that we only ever use the freshest, best quality, and most authentic ingredients, so our guests can enjoy a premium dining experience with each visit.
Each KIBOU has a dedicated sushi kitchen offering an extensive selection of handmade-to-order sushi and sashimi. Your role will be to manage the day-to-day running of the kitchen operations and the team, with motivation and commitment to deliver outstanding service. You will lead the kitchen team from the front to create a fun, authentic, and original dining experience that supports our core values.
At KIBOU, we’re looking for incredible individuals to come on a journey with us, helping to grow our small family of restaurants whilst delivering exceptional food and service to all of our guests. Being part of a small growing business, you’ll have the opportunity to work on menu development, bringing your own ideas to the table and helping us grow our offering.
Experience, Qualifications and Skills we need:
- Experience in Japanese cuisine preferred but not essential
- Ability to recruit, train and develop effective and passionate teams
- Proven track record of delivering sales growth through consistent food quality and service
- Effective labour cost management
- Track record of delivering budgeted food margins
- Flare for creative and authentic menu development
- Experience in running large teams of chefs
- Ensure legal compliance and health & safety are managed as required
KIBOU is a considerate and respectful employer, and we place team wellbeing at the heart of our operation. We love our people and are thrilled to be growing our team!
Why work with us:
- A business with our people at its core, valuing individuals as much as the team
- A restaurant-led organisation that champions operational autonomy and the freedom to thrive, with opportunities to shape how the business evolves and grows.
- Personalised training programmes and development opportunities tailored to you
- 100% equal and transparent service charge policy
- Japanese culture & cuisine 101. Get to know Japanese food!
- Regular socials, including the annual KIBOU awards show and summer party
- Employee discounts when you dine in any of our restaurants
- Free meals cooked by your chefs, or generously discounted menu items on shift
- Professional confidential support with the wellness programme, Licensed Trade Charity
- Financial well-being with Hastee
- Enhanced Pension provision through Salary Exchange
- Additional Financial Benefits delivered through Aslan
- Recognised as being one of the Top 30 Best Places to Work in Hospitality 2025, by The Caterer
Head Chef KIBOU Restaurants Cambridge Up to £50k Pay range is inclusive of Tronc employer: KIBOU Restaurants Ltd
Contact Detail:
KIBOU Restaurants Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef KIBOU Restaurants Cambridge Up to £50k Pay range is inclusive of Tronc
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend food festivals, culinary events, or even local meet-ups. You never know who might have a lead on your dream Head Chef position at KIBOU!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up to showcase your Japanese cuisine expertise. This not only highlights your creativity but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply – engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out directly to the restaurant. A quick message expressing your enthusiasm for the Head Chef position at KIBOU can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and evolving! Stay updated on the latest trends in Japanese cuisine and kitchen management. Share your insights on social media or in culinary forums to build your personal brand and attract attention from KIBOU.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef KIBOU Restaurants Cambridge Up to £50k Pay range is inclusive of Tronc
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Japanese Cuisine: When you're writing your application, let your love for Japanese food shine through! Share any experiences you've had with Japanese cuisine, whether it's cooking, dining, or even just exploring the culture. We want to see that you're excited about joining our KIBOU family.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience in your application. Talk about how you've motivated teams in the past and any successful projects you've led. We’re all about creating a fun and authentic dining experience, and we need someone who can inspire others!
Be Creative with Menu Ideas: We love fresh ideas, so don’t hesitate to include any creative menu concepts you have in mind! Whether it’s a unique sushi roll or a twist on a classic dish, we want to know how you can contribute to our menu development. Show us your flair for authentic and innovative cuisine!
Apply Through Our Website: Ready to take the plunge? Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and we can’t wait to read your application. Let’s embark on this culinary journey together at KIBOU!
How to prepare for a job interview at KIBOU Restaurants Ltd
✨Know Your Japanese Cuisine
Brush up on your knowledge of Japanese cuisine before the interview. Familiarise yourself with key dishes, ingredients, and cooking techniques. This will not only show your passion for the role but also help you engage in meaningful conversations about menu development.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Share specific examples of how you've motivated and developed teams in the past. Highlight any successful training programmes you've implemented to demonstrate your commitment to team growth.
✨Discuss Cost Management Strategies
Be ready to talk about your experience with labour cost management and delivering budgeted food margins. Prepare examples of how you've successfully balanced quality with cost efficiency in previous roles, as this is crucial for KIBOU's operations.
✨Emphasise Cultural Fit
KIBOU values a fun and authentic dining experience, so convey your enthusiasm for creating a positive kitchen environment. Share your thoughts on team wellbeing and how you can contribute to a supportive workplace culture that aligns with their core values.
