Head Chef

Yo; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fantastic working hours

Free YO! food

Grow with YO!

Private medical health plan

24/7 EAP

Discounted offers

Job summary

YO! is seeking an inspiring Head Chef to lead a high-energy kitchen and deliver exceptional Japanese-inspired dishes. You will champion quality, consistency, and a positive culture while guiding the kitchen team from prep to plate.

Based in Milton Keynes, you will manage stock, safety, and service, working closely with the General Manager to create a superb guest experience and grow talent within the kitchen.

Qualifications

• Hands-on Head Chef with proven leadership in fast-paced kitchens.
• Experience delivering high-quality Japanese-inspired cuisine.
• Ability to build a positive, high-energy kitchen culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and develop the kitchen team.
• Ensure every dish is fresh, consistent and beautifully presented.
• Manage service with calm leadership and clear communication.
• Collaborate with General Manager to deliver an excellent guest experience.
• Train staff to build strong future talent and maintain safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen management

Team development

Food quality

Safety standards

Job description

We burst onto the restaurant scene in 1997, when we shook up London and showed the UK a new way of eating. Part of this was the 'kaiten' conveyor belt and colour-coded dishes which made our name.

We're all about fresh, flavoursome, authentic Japanese food. Sushi is what we're famous for, but we also have a mouth-watering range of hot street food available - from traditional classics to innovative fusion dishes. All packed with rich, aromatic flavours and umami. Fast forward to today and we have over 70 restaurants all over the globe, more than 300 kiosks in the UK, with grocery products and pre-pack sushi in most major UK supermarkets.

About You

We’re looking for an inspiring, hands on Head Chef who loves great food, thrives in a high energy environment, and knows how to bring out the best in a kitchen team. If you’re passionate about quality, consistency, and leading from the front - this could be your next move
About You - A Leader with Food at the Heart
You’re calm under pressure, confident in your craft, and passionate about creating great food while building a strong, positive kitchen culture.

Key Responsibilities

As Head Chef, you’ll take full ownership of the kitchen - leading the team, delivering great food every time, and creating an environment where people feel supported and proud of what they do.

You’ll be:

• Leading, motivating, and developing the kitchen team
• Ensuring every dish is fresh, consistent, and beautifully presented
• Managing service with calm leadership and clear communication
• Working closely with the General Manager to deliver a great overall experience
• Training and developing your team to build strong future talent
• Maintaining high standards across food quality, safety, and cleanliness
• Managing stock, deliveries, and kitchen organisation
• Creating a positive, inclusive, high energy kitchen culture
• Driving consistency, structure, and continuous improvement

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 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...