At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, ensuring food quality and guest satisfaction.
- Company: Join a global restaurant brand known for innovative Japanese cuisine since 1997.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, professional development support, and discounts on gym memberships and dining.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to exceptional food and sustainability.
- Qualifications: A love for food and a positive attitude are essential; experience in a kitchen is a plus.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant environment with opportunities for growth and learning.
The predicted salary is between 30700 - 32700 £ per year.

Head Chef
Operations – Belfast
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 Restau
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 Restau
Head Chef (Belfast) employer: YO! RESTAURANT
Contact Detail:
YO! RESTAURANT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef (Belfast)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific dishes and cooking techniques that are popular in Japanese cuisine, especially sushi. This knowledge will not only impress during interviews but also show your genuine passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the restaurant chain. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when applying.
✨Tip Number 3
Demonstrate your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team in the past. Highlight any initiatives you've taken to improve food quality or team morale.
✨Tip Number 4
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 can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef (Belfast)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Head Chef. Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements and expectations outlined in the job description.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in kitchen management, food quality control, and team leadership. Make sure to include any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive profitability and enhance guest experiences.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to express your passion for food and your enthusiasm for the role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team and improved operations in previous positions.
Showcase Your Culinary Skills: If possible, include a portfolio or examples of your culinary creations. This could be photos of dishes you've prepared or menus you've designed, showcasing your creativity and expertise in Japanese cuisine.
How to prepare for a job interview at YO! RESTAURANT
✨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your love for food and cooking during the interview. Share specific examples of dishes you enjoy preparing and how you stay updated with culinary trends, especially in Japanese cuisine.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team. Highlight your experience in managing kitchen staff, resolving conflicts, and inspiring others. Be ready to discuss how you create a positive work environment and ensure high standards.
✨Know the Menu Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the restaurant's menu before the interview. Be prepared to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would enhance them. This shows your commitment and understanding of the brand.
✨Discuss Food Safety and Quality Control
Emphasise your knowledge of food safety regulations and quality control measures. Be ready to explain how you ensure that all dishes meet the highest standards and how you handle any potential issues in the kitchen.