At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen team and create stunning sushi dishes.
- Company: Yo! Sushi, a fun and innovative dining experience with 30+ UK locations.
- Benefits: Free food, professional qualifications, wellness support, and discounts on dining and entertainment.
- Other info: Enjoy career growth opportunities and a chance to win a trip to Japan!
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced environment where your passion for food makes a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in a busy kitchen and a love for Japanese cuisine.
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. Love food. Lead the kitchen. Feel the energy.
We’re looking for a passionate, people‑focused Sous Chef who loves being in the thick of it and takes real pride in great food.
About You
- Calm, Confident, and Food‑Focused.
- You genuinely love food and enjoy working with people just as much as cooking.
- You set the tone on shift and help the team feel supported, confident, and ready for service.
- You are:
- Passionate about food, especially sushi and Japanese‑inspired dishes
- A calm, confident leader who keeps things steady when it gets busy
- Detail‑focused, with pride in consistently great food
- Positive, approachable, and great to work with
- Hands‑on and always ready to jump in and help
- Comfortable in a lively, fast‑paced kitchen environment
- Keen to learn, develop, and support others to grow
Key Responsibilities
As Sous Chef, you’ll be right at the centre of the action—supporting the Head Chef, guiding the team, and helping everything run smoothly. It’s a role where energy matters, teamwork matters, and your presence makes a real difference. You’ll help bring consistency, structure, and good vibes to a busy, creative kitchen. You’ll be:
- Leading and supporting the kitchen team during service
- Helping ensure every dish is fresh, consistent, and beautifully presented
- Keeping service flowing through clear communication and teamwork
- Working closely with the Head Chef on day‑to‑day kitchen operations
- Supporting and developing the team on shift
- Maintaining high standards across food quality, safety, and cleanliness
- Being a steady, supportive presence during busy services
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 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 a private medical health plan and 24/7 Employee Assistance Line
- Discounted gym membership, cinema tickets, dining out and retail offers are all available through 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, including 100% of all salmon sourced from certified sustainable sources
- 1/3rd of our restaurant menu is plant‑led and we are proud members of the Global Tuna Alliance
- Free trip to Japan – our Annual Awards ceremony celebrates your success with winners awarded a trip to Japan
- Job security – Joining an award‑winning, globally expanding business gives you the opportunity to grow your career alongside us
Sous Chef in Exeter employer: Yo
At Yo! Sushi, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values passion and teamwork in a vibrant kitchen environment. With fantastic working hours, free meals during shifts, and opportunities for professional growth, we ensure our Sous Chefs thrive both personally and professionally. Our commitment to employee wellbeing, sustainability, and unique rewards like a trip to Japan make us a standout choice for those looking to lead in a fast-paced culinary setting.
