At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, ensuring top-notch food quality and guest experiences.
- Company: Join a pioneering restaurant chain known for authentic Japanese cuisine.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, professional development support, and wellness services.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career growth and sustainability initiatives.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant team and make a real impact on guest satisfaction.
- Qualifications: Passion for food and experience in kitchen operations.
The predicted salary is between 36202 - 38201 £ per year.
Operations - Kingston
Contract: Full Time
Salary: £36,202 - £38,201
Contracted Hours: 45
We burst onto the restaurant scene in 1997, when we shook up London and showed the UK a new way of eating. Part of this was the 'kaiten' conveyor belt and colour‑coded dishes which made our name. We’re all about fresh, flavoursome, authentic Japanese food. Sushi is what we’re famous for, but we also have a mouth‑watering range of hot street food available – from traditional classics to innovative fusion dishes. All packed with rich, aromatic flavours and umami.
Fast forward to today and we have over 70 restaurants all over the globe, more than 300 kiosks in the UK, with grocery products and pre‑pack sushi in most major UK supermarkets. 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 kitchens 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’re already had ... 100% of all Salmon sourced from certified sustainable sources, Zero use of Species classed as MCS "Fish to Avoid".
Head Chef in Kingston upon Thames employer: The Wonderfield Group
As a Head Chef at our vibrant Kingston location, you'll be part of a dynamic team that thrives on passion for authentic Japanese cuisine and exceptional guest experiences. We offer fantastic benefits including free meals during shifts, opportunities for professional growth with funded qualifications, and a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing. Join us in our commitment to sustainability and be a key player in our success story, where your culinary skills can shine and develop in a fast-paced, rewarding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Kingston upon Thames
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research their menu, values, and culture. When you walk into that interview, show them you’re not just another candidate – you’re genuinely excited about what they do and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for your interview. It’s all about making those connections and showing you’re part of the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. Focus on common questions for a Head Chef role, and don’t forget to highlight your passion for food and leadership skills. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of something special!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Kingston upon Thames
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your experiences and what excites you about working in a kitchen. We want to see that you're not just looking for a job, but that you're genuinely passionate about creating amazing dishes.
Be Authentic:Don't be afraid to be yourself in your application. We value authenticity and want to know who you are beyond your culinary skills. Share your personality, your journey in the food industry, and what makes you unique. This helps us see how you'd fit into our vibrant team!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about times you've inspired others, managed a busy kitchen, or tackled challenges head-on. We’re looking for someone who can motivate and uplift their team while delivering exceptional results.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy, and you’ll get to see all the details about the role and our company culture. Plus, it shows us that you’re serious about joining our exciting journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Wonderfield Group
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the key ingredients used in Japanese cuisine, especially sushi. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would elevate them. This shows your passion for food and your understanding of the menu.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've inspired and developed your kitchen staff in the past. Highlight your ability to create a positive work environment and how you handle challenges in a high-pressure setting.
✨Emphasise Food Safety and Quality Control
Be prepared to discuss your approach to maintaining food safety standards and quality control in the kitchen. Share specific strategies you've implemented to ensure that every dish meets high standards, as this is crucial for guest satisfaction.
✨Bring Your Energy and Enthusiasm
The role requires a high-energy presence in the kitchen. During the interview, let your enthusiasm shine through. Share your vision for creating an outstanding guest experience and how you plan to motivate your team to achieve that.
