At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead our kitchen team to create authentic Japanese dishes and manage daily operations.
- Company: Join KIBOU, a growing independent Japanese restaurant group with a passion for quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, free meals, employee discounts, and wellness support.
- Other info: Join a supportive workplace recognised as one of the Top 30 Best Places to Work in Hospitality.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team shaping the future of Japanese dining in the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and a flair for menu development preferred.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 50000 £ 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 KIBOU Restaurants London £48-50k per annum Pay range is inclusive of Tronc employer: KIBOU Restaurants Ltd
KIBOU is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing of its team, offering a vibrant work culture where creativity and autonomy are celebrated. As part of a growing family of restaurants, you will have the unique opportunity to influence menu development and contribute to a premium dining experience while enjoying benefits such as personalised training, employee discounts, and regular social events. Join us in delivering authentic Japanese cuisine in a supportive environment that values each individual as much as the collective team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef KIBOU Restaurants London £48-50k per annum Pay range is inclusive of Tronc
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the KIBOU vibe! Before your interview, dive into their menu and understand their unique approach to Japanese cuisine. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former KIBOU staff on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the company culture and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! Prepare some ideas for menu development or kitchen operations that align with KIBOU's values. Presenting your vision can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the KIBOU family!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef KIBOU Restaurants London £48-50k per annum 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 genuinely 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 and developed teams in the past, and how you plan to bring that same energy to KIBOU. We’re all about creating a fun and authentic dining experience!
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 diverse menu. Show us your flair for authentic and original dining experiences.
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 the easiest way for us to see your application and get you on board with our amazing team at KIBOU. 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 key ingredients, cooking techniques, and popular dishes. This will not only show your passion but also help you connect with the interviewers who value authenticity.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so be ready to discuss your leadership style. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen teams, resolved conflicts, and motivated staff. Highlight any training or development initiatives you've implemented to enhance team performance.
✨Bring Creative Ideas to the Table
KIBOU values innovation in menu development, so come prepared with some creative ideas. Think about how you can incorporate seasonal ingredients or unique twists on traditional dishes. Presenting your vision for the menu can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Understand the Business Side
Familiarise yourself with labour cost management and food margins, as these are crucial for running a successful kitchen. Be ready to discuss how you've previously achieved sales growth through consistent food quality and service, and how you plan to do the same at KIBOU.
