Assistant Head Chef - Lead Busy Kitchen, Earn Tips

Maki & Ramen; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 20,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bereavement leave

Company pension

Discounted or free food

Employee discount

Job summary

Maki & Ramen is seeking an experienced Assistant Head Chef to support the Head Chef in a busy kitchen at the Metrocentre location. This hands-on leadership role requires taking ownership of service, maintaining high standards and stepping in during absences.

You will lead a kitchen team, manage service during peak periods, ensure food safety and portioning, and work closely with front-of-house. The role offers a progressive path within a growing Japanese-inspired dining brand and a competitive

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a sous chef, assistant head chef or similar senior kitchen position.
• Strong cooking skills and experience in a 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 able to take responsibility during demanding service periods.
• Genuine desire to develop towards a future Head Chef position.

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.

Skills

Cooking skills

Team leadership

Time management

Food safety

Allergen awareness

Stock control

Communication

Job description

Maki & Ramen is seeking an experienced Assistant Head Chef to support the Head Chef in a busy kitchen at the Metrocentre location. This hands-on leadership role requires taking ownership of service, maintaining high standards and stepping in during absences.

You will lead a kitchen team, manage service during peak periods, ensure food safety and portioning, and work closely with front-of-house. The role offers a progressive path within a growing Japanese-inspired dining brand and a competitive