At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, ensuring food quality and guest satisfaction.
- Company: Join a global restaurant brand known for authentic Japanese cuisine and innovative dining experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, professional development support, and discounts on gym memberships and entertainment.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to exceptional food and sustainability initiatives.
- Qualifications: A love for food, leadership skills, and a positive attitude are essential.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant environment with opportunities for growth and learning.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 38201 £ per year.

Head Chef
Operations – Leeds Trinity
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\’ve already taken include: 100% of all Salmon
- sourced from certified sustainable sources, Zero use of Species classed as MCS \”Fish to Avoid\”
- 1/3rdof our
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\’ve already taken include: 100% of all Salmon
- sourced from certified sustainable sources, Zero use of Species classed as MCS \”Fish to Avoid\”
- 1/3rdof our
Head Chef employer: YO! RESTAURANT
Contact Detail:
YO! RESTAURANT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dishes and cooking techniques that are central to the restaurant's menu. Being able to discuss your experience with sushi preparation and Japanese cuisine during the interview will show your passion and knowledge.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team in the past. Be ready to share stories about how you inspired your team and improved their performance.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company's sustainability initiatives and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to these goals. Showing that you align with their values will make you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to demonstrate your ability to manage food costs effectively. Think of examples where you've successfully controlled costs while maintaining high food quality, as this is crucial for the profitability of the restaurant.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Head Chef position. Highlight your relevant experience in leading kitchen teams and ensuring food quality.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your culinary skills, leadership experience, and passion for food. Include specific examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen and improved guest experiences.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention your love for Japanese cuisine and how you align with their values of quality and guest satisfaction.
Showcase Your Passion: In your application, express your passion for food and cooking. Share any unique experiences or achievements that demonstrate your commitment to culinary excellence and team leadership.
How to prepare for a job interview at YO! RESTAURANT
✨Show Your Passion for Food
As a Head Chef, your love for food should shine through. Be prepared to discuss your culinary journey, favourite dishes, and what inspires you in the kitchen. This will demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm for the role.
✨Highlight Leadership Skills
Since you'll be leading a kitchen team, it's crucial to showcase your leadership abilities. Share examples of how you've motivated teams in the past, handled challenges, and created a positive work environment.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Japanese Cuisine
Familiarise yourself with the restaurant's menu and the principles of Japanese cooking. Be ready to discuss specific techniques, ingredients, and how you would maintain the quality and authenticity of the dishes.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle various kitchen scenarios, such as managing food costs or dealing with a busy service. Think through your responses in advance to show your problem-solving skills and ability to thrive under pressure.