Head Chef

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
• 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.

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^rdof 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

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
• 50 major retail partners
• 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...