Assistant Head Chef at Maki & Ramen

Metrocentre Partnership; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bereavement leave

Company pension

Discounted or free food

Employee discount

Job summary

Maki & Ramen Metrocentre is seeking an experienced Assistant Head Chef to support the Head Chef in a busy kitchen. This hands-on role requires taking ownership of service, maintaining high standards and stepping up in the Head Chef’s absence.

You will lead a kitchen team, manage quality and hygiene, and help control costs while delivering a memorable guest experience in a vibrant dining environment.

Qualifications

• 2 years cooking experience in a busy kitchen.
• Experience in a senior kitchen role (Sous Chef/Assistant Head Chef).
• Strong leadership and communication to motivate the team.
• Good organisation and time-management.
• Knowledge of food safety, allergens and HACCP compliance.

Responsibilities

• Support Head Chef with day-to-day kitchen operations.
• Lead during busy service, ensuring smooth, consistent standards.
• Maintain food quality, portions and presentation.
• Train and supervise kitchen team with clear direction.
• Assist with stock, ordering, waste control and cost.
• Ensure hygiene, allergen and safety procedures are followed.
• Collaborate with management and front-of-house for efficient service.
• Identify and resolve issues during service; take charge when needed.

Skills

Sous Chef experience

Leadership

Cooking skills

Organisation

Food safety HACCP

Education

Food Safety Level 2 or above

Job description

Be part of something exciting – join Maki & Ramen Metrocentre

We're Maki & Ramen – a growing, Japanese-inspired dining brand known for our homemade ramen and freshly prepared sushi. With a strong focus on quality and warm, attentive service, we’re passionate about delivering a memorable experience for every guest. We’re looking for an experienced and motivated Assistant Head Chef to support our Head Chef in leading a busy kitchen team. This is a hands‑on role for someone who can take ownership of service, maintain high standards and confidently step up in the Head Chef’s absence. If you're ready to progress your kitchen career and take on greater leadership responsibility within a growing restaurant group, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Head Chef with the day-to-day running of the kitchen and lead operations in their absence.
• Take an active role during busy service periods, ensuring smooth service, strong communication and consistent standards.
• Maintain excellent food quality, presentation, portioning and recipe standards.
• Supervise, train and support the kitchen team, providing clear direction and effective delegation.
• Assist with stock management, ordering, waste control and kitchen cost management.
• Ensure food safety, hygiene, allergen and health & safety procedures are consistently followed.
• Work closely with the Head Chef, management and front-of-house teams to maintain an efficient service.
• Help identify and resolve operational issues during service, taking responsibility when senior leadership is required.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a Sous Chef, Assistant Head Chef or similar senior kitchen position.
• Strong cooking skills and experience working within a busy, high-volume kitchen.
• Confident supervising and motivating a kitchen team.
• Excellent organisation and time-management skills.
• Good understanding of food safety, HACCP, allergens and kitchen compliance.
• Commercial awareness, including stock control, waste and food costs.
• Reliable, adaptable and comfortable taking responsibility during demanding service periods.
• A genuine desire to develop towards a future Head Chef position.

As part of our team, you'll receive

a motivated and friendly working environment, delicious team meals and competitive pay + tips.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount

Experience:

• Cooking: 2 years (required)
• Senior kitchen/Sous Chef experience: 1 year (preferred)
• Licence/Certification: Food Safety Level 2 or above (preferred)
• Food Allergen Training (preferred)

Language: Fluent spoken English

Pay Rate: £13.50 - £14.25 p/h (typical earnings up to £15-£16 with tips included)

Hours: 45-50 per week (hours are negotiable)