Assistant Head Chef - NE11 9XZ

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

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)

Role: Full-time Assistant Head Chef

Commencement Date: ASAP

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

Work Location: In person