At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our kitchen team to create authentic Japanese dishes and deliver exceptional dining experiences.
- Company: KIBOU, a growing independent Japanese restaurant group with a focus on quality and authenticity.
- Benefits: Enjoy employee discounts, free meals, wellness support, and tailored training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture that values your growth and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and shape the future of our unique dining experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and a flair for menu development preferred.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ 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 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
- Recognised as being one of the Top 30 Best Places to Work in Hospitality 2025, by The Caterer
Head Chef employer: KIBOU Restaurants Ltd
KIBOU is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing of its team, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture where individual contributions are valued. As a Head Chef, you will have the unique opportunity to influence menu development and lead a passionate kitchen team in a growing independent restaurant group, all while enjoying benefits such as personalised training, employee discounts, and regular social events. Join us in delivering authentic Japanese cuisine and be part of a company recognised as one of the Top 30 Best Places to Work in Hospitality 2025.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know KIBOU! Research the restaurant's values, menu, and culture. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on social media platforms. They can provide insider tips and might even put in a good word for you when you apply through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! Prepare a few ideas for menu development or unique dishes you could bring to KIBOU. Presenting these during your interview can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your leadership style! KIBOU values strong team dynamics, so think about how you motivate and develop your team. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen operations in the past.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
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 bringing authentic flavours to our guests.
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 collaborative kitchen environment!
Be Creative with Menu Ideas:We love innovative ideas, so don’t hold back! In your application, feel free to mention any unique menu concepts or dishes you’d like to introduce. Show us your flair for creativity and how you can contribute to our ever-evolving menu at KIBOU.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our KIBOU family!
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 ingredients, cooking techniques, and popular dishes. 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
Be prepared to discuss your experience in managing kitchen teams. Share specific examples of how you've motivated staff, handled conflicts, or improved team dynamics. KIBOU values a fun and authentic dining experience, so demonstrate how you can lead by example.
✨Discuss Your Creative Menu Ideas
Think about innovative menu ideas that align with KIBOU's ethos. Bring a few concepts to the table that showcase your creativity and understanding of Japanese cuisine. This will highlight your potential contribution to their menu development and growth.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Quality
KIBOU prides itself on using the freshest ingredients and delivering exceptional food quality. Be ready to talk about your approach to sourcing ingredients, maintaining standards, and ensuring legal compliance in the kitchen. This will reassure them of your dedication to their core values.
