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 excited to be recruiting an inspiring, hands-on Head Chef to join our newly refurbished YO! Westfield Stratford – now one of our major flagship locations and firmly in the spotlight.

This isn't just another restaurant; it's a showcase for the future of YO!, setting the standard for innovation, guest experience, and performance across the brand. Already smashing targets and building incredible momentum, this site is a true success story in the making. We're looking for a talented Head Chef who is passionate about great food, thrives in a high-energy environment, and is ready to play a key role in shaping the next chapter of this exciting flagship location.

If you're passionate about quality, consistency, and leading from the front, this could be your next move.

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 supporting the team throughout service
• A people-focused leader who enjoys developing and motivating others
• Keen to grow, improve, and keep the kitchen moving forward

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

Key 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 an outstanding guest 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

This is a fantastic opportunity to join one of YO!'s highest-profile locations at an exciting stage of its journey, making a real impact while developing your career within a thriving and ambitious business.

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...