At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and create delicious Japanese dishes.
- Company: Join a pioneering restaurant chain known for fresh, authentic Japanese cuisine.
- Benefits: Enjoy free meals, professional development, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting culinary journey and inspire others with your passion for food.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen management and a love for food is essential.
- Other info: Fantastic growth opportunities and a vibrant work environment await you.
The predicted salary is between 30200 - 32200 £ per year.
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 - 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
Head Chef (Kingston upon Thames) employer: YO! RESTAURANT
Contact Detail:
YO! RESTAURANT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef (Kingston upon Thames)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the restaurant scene in Kingston upon Thames! Visit local eateries, chat with chefs, and immerse yourself in the food culture. This will not only give you insights into what makes a great dining experience but also help you network with potential colleagues.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you can, prepare a signature dish that reflects your style and passion for food. Bring it along to your interview or share it on social media to catch the eye of hiring managers. We love seeing creativity in action!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk about your leadership style. As a Head Chef, you'll need to inspire your team and create a positive kitchen environment. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or tackled challenges head-on. We want to hear your stories!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of our exciting journey. Don’t forget to highlight your passion for Japanese cuisine and your commitment to quality!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef (Kingston upon Thames)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your culinary 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 genuinely care about creating amazing dishes.
Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to show your personality in your application. We’re all about authenticity, so let us know who you are and what makes you unique. This is your chance to stand out from the crowd, so be yourself!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to mention any relevant leadership experience. Talk about how you've inspired others in the past and how you plan to create a happy and productive kitchen environment with us.
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, we love seeing applications come through our own platform!
How to prepare for a job interview at YO! RESTAURANT
✨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 managed 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 food safety and quality control. Share specific practices you implement to ensure that every dish meets high standards. This will demonstrate your commitment to guest safety and satisfaction.
✨Bring Your Passion to the Table
Let your enthusiasm for food shine through during the interview. Talk about your journey in the culinary world and what drives you to create exceptional dining experiences. A genuine passion can set you apart from other candidates.