At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead kitchen operations and create delicious dishes in a vibrant environment.
- Company: Join Maki & Ramen, a growing Japanese-inspired dining brand.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, bonuses, tips, and free team meals.
- Other info: Enjoy a friendly atmosphere with great career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a new restaurant and make an impact.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership and cooking experience in high-volume settings.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 30000 £ per year.
Pay Rate: £13.50 - £14.50 per hour + bonus + tips
Hours: 45-50 per week (hours are negotiable)
Role: Full-time Head Chef
Commencement Date: June 2026
Be part of something new – join Maki & Ramen. We're Maki & Ramen – a growing, Japanese-inspired dining brand known for our homemade ramen and freshly prepared sushi. With a strong focus on quality and warm, attentive service, we’re passionate about delivering a memorable experience for every guest. Maki & Ramen Southampton is looking for an experienced and driven Head Chef to lead the launch and shape the future of this exciting new site. If you're ready to take the next step in your career and be part of a vibrant, expanding team, we’d love to hear from you.
Key Responsibilities- Lead and oversee all kitchen operations, ensuring consistency, organisation, and smooth service during high-traffic event periods.
- Maintain exceptional food quality, presentation, and recipe standards, adapting to fast-paced, high-volume demands.
- Manage and develop the kitchen team through training, coaching, and effective delegation.
- Control stock, ordering, waste, and kitchen budgets to achieve strong commercial performance.
- Ensure rigorous compliance with food safety, hygiene regulations, and health & safety procedures at all times.
- Collaborate with front-of-house and management teams to coordinate service flow and meet operational targets.
- Strong leadership skills, capable of managing and motivating a kitchen brigade in a demanding environment.
- Proven experience in high-volume cooking, with the ability to maintain quality under pressure.
- Excellent organisational and time-management abilities, especially during event peaks and tight service windows.
- Solid understanding of food safety, HACCP procedures, and kitchen compliance requirements.
- Commercial awareness, including stock control, cost management, and menu performance.
- Adaptability, resilience, and a calm approach when handling operational challenges or last-minute changes.
As part of our team, you will receive a motivated and friendly working environment, delicious team meals and a competitive salary + tips.
Benefits- Bereavement leave
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Cooking: 2 years (required)
- Head Chef: 1 year (required)
- Food Safety Level 2 or above (preferred)
- Food Allergen Training
- Fluent in English speaking
Work Location: In person
Head Chef - SO15 QE in Southampton employer: Maki & Ramen
Contact Detail:
Maki & Ramen Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef - SO15 QE in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, restaurant owners, or even friends in the industry. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Head Chef position at Maki & Ramen.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, organise a tasting event or pop-up kitchen to showcase your culinary talents. This is a great way to get noticed and demonstrate your passion for high-quality food.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Maki & Ramen’s menu and values. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their focus on quality and service – they’ll love to see your enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our vibrant team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef - SO15 QE in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for cooking and food shine through. Share your experiences and what excites you about leading a kitchen team at Maki & Ramen. We want to see your personality and passion for creating memorable dining experiences!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to emphasise your leadership experience. Talk about how you've motivated and developed your kitchen brigade in the past. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others and keep the kitchen running smoothly!
Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous roles; dive into the details! Mention specific achievements, like managing high-volume service or maintaining food quality under pressure. This helps us understand how your background aligns with our needs at Maki & Ramen.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to showcase your application in the best light. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Maki & Ramen
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with Maki & Ramen's menu. Understand the ingredients, preparation methods, and presentation styles. This will not only show your passion for the role but also allow you to discuss how you can enhance their offerings.
✨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 staff in the past, especially during busy periods. Highlight your coaching techniques and how you maintain morale in a high-pressure environment.
✨Discuss Food Safety Knowledge
Be ready to talk about your understanding of food safety regulations and HACCP procedures. Share specific instances where you ensured compliance in your previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining high standards in the kitchen.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the kitchen operations, team dynamics, and how success is measured at Maki & Ramen. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.