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- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team to create authentic Japanese dining experiences and manage daily operations.
- Company: KIBOU, an independent Japanese restaurant group with a focus on quality and authenticity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, employee discounts, free meals, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Join a growing family of restaurants and bring your creative ideas to life.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and team development; Japanese cuisine knowledge is a plus.
- Other info: Recognised as one of the Top 30 Best Places to Work in Hospitality 2025.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 54000 £ per year.
KIBOU is an independent Japanese restaurant and bar with restaurants 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 and 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. To lead the kitchen team from the front to create a fun, authentic and original dining experience that will support 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 are 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 £54k 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 £54k 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 be looking for a Head Chef or who can put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up dinner to showcase your culinary creations. This not only highlights your talent but also gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to appear. Reach out directly to KIBOU or other restaurants you admire. Express your passion for Japanese cuisine and how you can contribute to their team. A personal touch can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website! Apply through StudySmarter to streamline your application process. We’re here to help you land that dream job, so take advantage of our resources and support to make your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef KIBOU Restaurants Cambridge Up to £54k 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 your favourite dishes. We want to see that you’re excited about what we do at KIBOU.
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, share your vision. This is your chance to show us how you can contribute to our menu development at KIBOU.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our KIBOU family. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at KIBOU Restaurants Ltd
✨Know Your Japanese Cuisine
Brush up on your knowledge of Japanese cuisine, especially if you have experience in it. Familiarise yourself with KIBOU's menu and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to its authenticity and creativity. Show them you’re passionate about the food!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen teams in the past, focusing on recruitment, training, and motivation. Highlight your ability to create a positive work environment that aligns with KIBOU's values.
✨Discuss Menu Development Ideas
KIBOU values creativity in menu development, so come prepared with some ideas! Think about how you can innovate while respecting traditional Japanese cuisine. This shows your enthusiasm for contributing to the restaurant's growth and your understanding of their culinary philosophy.
✨Understand Financial Management
Be ready to talk about your experience with managing food costs and budgets. KIBOU is looking for someone who can deliver budgeted food margins, so share specific examples of how you've achieved this in previous roles. It’s all about demonstrating your business acumen!