Head Chef

Panku Food

Stratford-upon-Avon

Hybrid

GBP 42,000 - 62,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Fantastic working hours

Free YO! food

Professional qualifications support (↑

Private medical health plan

24/7 Employee Assistance Line

50% off dining

Free trip to Japan

Job summary

Yo! is seeking an inspiring Head Chef to lead a busy kitchen in Stratford-upon-Avon. You’ll champion great food, maintain high standards, and build a positive, high-energy kitchen culture that keeps the team motivated during peak services.

This hands‑on role requires calm leadership, on‑the‑pass excellence, and a passion for sushi and Japanese-inspired dishes. You’ll develop people, drive continuous improvement, and partner with the General Manager to deliver an outstanding guest experience.

Qualifications

Experienced kitchen leader who leads by example.
Passionate about food, especially sushi and Japanese-inspired dishes.
Detail-driven with high standards for quality and consistency.
Calm, organised, and confident during busy services.
Hands on and on the pass and on the floor.
People-focused leader who develops and motivates others.
Keen to grow, improve, and keep the kitchen moving forward.

Responsibilities

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.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

Calm under pressure

Quality focus

People development

Communication

Organised

Job description

At Yo!, 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’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.

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.

About You

Passionate about food, especially sushi and Japanese inspired dishes
An experienced kitchen leader who leads by example
Detail driven, with high standards for quality and consistency
Calm, organised, and confident during busy services
Hands on and happy to be on the pass and on the floor
A people focused leader who enjoys developing and motivating others
Keen to grow, improve, and keep the kitchen moving forward

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.

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 to grow your career alongside us