At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team, ensuring top-notch food quality and guest experiences.
- Company: Join the vibrant Yo! Sushi family, known for innovation and bold flavours.
- Benefits: Enjoy free YO! food, professional development, and wellness support.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a chance to win a trip to Japan!
- Why this job: Be part of a fun, fast-paced environment where your passion for food shines.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen leadership and a love for creating exceptional dishes.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35005 £ per year.
At Yo! Sushi, we serve up fresh food, fast‑paced energy, and a dining experience like no other. Think iconic conveyor belts, bold Japanese flavours, and a team that brings the vibe every single day. With 30+ restaurants across the UK since 1997, we’re a brand that’s built on innovation, quality, and great people. Whether it’s a quick lunch or a catch‑up with friends, we create memorable experiences for every guest—and it all starts with our teams. If you’re passionate, energetic, and ready to thrive in a busy environment, you’ll fit right in. Join us and be part of something fast, fun, and full of flavour.
We are looking for dynamic individuals with a love and passion for food to join us on our exciting journey. Our people are at the heart of what we do. You will be a role model, have an appetite for success and a real thirst for delivering exceptional results. You will be ambitious and hungry to learn. You will always strive to do your best. You will be enthusiastic and have a positive disposition. You will embrace challenges head on, with a willing can‑do attitude. You will want to be part of our success story.
What you will be doing:
The Head Chef is responsible for the entire operation of their YO! Kitchen and ultimately accountable for the safety of our teams & guests. Leading and inspiring the kitchen team you are obsessive about food quality, adherence to spec and can prepare each and every YO! dish brilliantly. Happy teams and Happy guests is the mantra by which you live and instil this modus operandi across the team. You are passionate about an incredible guest experience, developing the team to Super Squad status and driving the profitability of your restaurant through great controls of food cost lines. Comfortable and natural in all sections of the kitchen, you cut fish, cook rice, roll sushi, and prepare our kitchen every day. You are also an inspirational presence in your restaurant, running high energy shifts from the kitchen and ensuring each and every day part delivers an outstanding experience for our guests and team.
We’re proud to offer:
- Fantastic working hours
- Free YO! food – What’s your favourite YO! dish? Every time you work you can power your shift with a selection of your choice from our fantastic menu.
- Grow with YO! – We will pay for you to achieve professional qualifications (up to Degree level) whilst you work.
- Brilliant support services designed to enhance your physical, mental and financial wellbeing including private medical health plan and 24/7 Employee Assistance Line.
- Discounted gym membership, cinema tickets, dining out and retail offers are all available by accessing our reward platform.
- 50% off your food every time you dine with us for you and 3 friends.
- Award‑winning sustainability initiatives – We’re committed to delivering progress against 9 UN sustainability goals, just some of the actions we’ve already taken include: 100% of all Salmon sourced from certified sustainable sources, Zero use of Species classed as MCS “Fish to Avoid”. 1/3 rd of our restaurant menu is plant‑led and we are proud member of the Global Tuna Alliance.
- Free trip to Japan – our Annual Awards ceremony celebrates your success – with the winners being awarded a trip to Japan.
- Job security – Joining an award‑winning, globally expanding business gives you the opportunity to grow your career alongside us.
About us:
Come roll with us and be part of something big. Celebrate global success across: Over 1500 retail kiosks globally (YO!, Panku, Mai Taiko Snowfox & Bento), Our Taiko manufacturing and distribution centre, 63 YO! restaurants, 3700 locations globally – From Hawaii to Aberdeen.
Our Values:
- Think like an owner.
- Be passionate.
- Speak openly.
- Move fast, together.
Ready to Roll? Come roll with us and play a key role by bringing people together to celebrate better food for everyone the Japanese way.
Head Chef in Stratford-upon-Avon employer: Pankufood
At Yo! Sushi, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values our team members as the heart of our vibrant dining experience. With fantastic benefits like free meals, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, we foster a supportive and energetic work culture where passion for food and guest satisfaction drives success. Join us in a fast-paced environment where your culinary skills can shine, and enjoy unique perks such as a free trip to Japan for top performers while contributing to our award-winning sustainability initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Stratford-upon-Avon
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Pankufood. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Pankufood
Don't be shy about reaching out to Pankufood directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Stratford-upon-Avon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Pankufood and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pankufood
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
