Head Sushi Chef

KIBOU Restaurants Ltd; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

KIBOU Restaurants Ltd is seeking a seasoned Sushi Kitchen Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of our sushi-focused kitchens across the group. You will work closely with the Head Chef to maintain exceptional food quality and create an authentic dining experience.

Lead, train and develop a passionate kitchen team, manage labour costs and food margins, and contribute to ongoing menu development while ensuring health and safety compliance.

Qualifications

• Sushi skills and Japanese cuisine experience required.
• Ability to recruit, train and develop effective teams.
• Proven track record of driving sales growth through consistent food quality and service.
• Experience in managing labour costs and achieving food margins.
• Strong creative and authentic menu development skills.
• Experience running large teams of chefs.
• Ensure health & safety compliance and legal standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day running of the sushi kitchen operations.
• Lead the kitchen team from the front alongside the Head Chef to deliver a standout dining experience.
• Contribute to menu development and evolving offer for guests.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety and legal requirements.
• Drive staffing, training and development to maintain high service standards.

Skills

Sushi skills

Japanese cuisine experience

Recruitment & team development

Labour cost management

Food margins management

Menu development

Leading large teams of chefs

Health & safety compliance

Sales growth through quality

Job description

KIBOU is an independent Japanese restaurant and bar with restaurants in Battersea, Cheltenham, Bristol, Solihull, Oxford and Cambridge.

The environments we create are opulent, vibrant and fun, and our primary focus is on growing a team of people who take pride in delivering what we believe is a truly standout experience for all our guests!

Our kitchens deliver a diverse menu showcasing a variety of Japanese cuisine and sushi, all handmade or hand-rolled fresh in the kitchen daily, and our stringent sourcing policy ensures that we only ever use the freshest, best quality and most authentic ingredients, so our guests can enjoy a premium dining experience with each visit.

Each KIBOU has a dedicated sushi kitchen offering an extensive selection of sushi and sashimi handmade to order.

Your role will be to manage the day-to-day running of the sushi kitchen operations, with motivation and commitment to deliver outstanding service. To lead the kitchen team from the front alongside the Head Chef to create a fun, authentic and original dining experience that will support our core values.

At KIBOU, we’re looking for incredible individuals to come on a journey with us, helping to grow our small family of restaurants whilst delivering exceptional food and service to all of our guests. Being part of a small growing business, you’ll have the opportunity to work on menu development, bringing your own ideas to the table and helping us grow our offering.

Experience, Qualifications and Skills we need:

• Considerable sushi skills and Japanese cuisine experience
• Ability to recruit, train and develop effective and passionate teams
• Proven track record of delivering sales growth through consistent food quality and service
• Effective labour cost management
• Track record of delivering budgeted food margins
• Flare for creative and authentic menu development
• Experience in running large teams of chefs
• Ensure legal compliance and health & safety are managed as required

We love our people and are thrilled to be growing our team!

KIBOU are a considerate and respectful employer, and we place team wellbeing at the heart of our operation.

We love our people and are thrilled to be growing our team!

Why work with us :

• A business with our people at its core, valuing individuals as much as the team
• A restaurant-led organisation that champions operational autonomy and the freedom to thrive, with opportunities to shape how the business evolves and grows.
• Personalised training programmes and development opportunities tailored to you
• 100% equal and transparent service charge policy
• Japanese culture & cuisine 101. Get to know Japanese food!
• Regular socials, including the annual KIBOU awards show and summer party
• Employee discounts when you dine in any of our restaurants
• Free meals cooked by your chefs, or generously discounted menu items on shift
• Professional confidential support with the wellness programme, Licensed Trade Charity
• Financial well-being with Hastee
• Enhanced Pension provision through Salary Exchange
• Recognised as being one of the Top 30 Best Places to Work in Hospitality 2025 and 2026, by The Caterer