Head Chef in Stratford-upon-Avon

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.

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 kitchen 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”. 1/3 rd of our restaurant menu is plant‑led and we are proud member of the Global Tuna Alliance.
• Free trip to Japan – our Annual Awards ceremony celebrates your success – with the winners being awarded a trip to Japan.
• Job security – Joining an award‑winning, globally expanding business gives you the opportunity to grow your career alongside us.

About us:

Come roll with us and be part of something big. Celebrate global success across: Over 1500 retail kiosks globally (YO!, Panku, Mai Taiko Snowfox & Bento), Our Taiko manufacturing and distribution centre, 63 YO! restaurants, 3700 locations globally – From Hawaii to Aberdeen.

Our Values:

• Think like an owner.
• Be passionate.
• Speak openly.
• Move fast, together.

Ready to Roll? Come roll with us and play a key role by bringing people together to celebrate better food for everyone the Japanese way.