Head Chef

Head Chef


Company
KIBOU Restaurants
Location
Birmingham
Salary
£50k–£55k a year
Posted
10 days ago
Via
via Kibou Careers

Job Description
At KIBOU, we’re looking for an exceptional Head Chef to be part of the opening of a new restaurant in Central Birmingham this summer.

Leading up to the opening, you'll have your input into the design and layout of the kitchen and the opportunity to build your kitchen team culture from day one.

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

Our kitchens deliver a diverse menu showcasing a variety of Japanese cuisine, 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 handmade-to-order sushi and sashimi.

Your role will be to manage the day-to-day running of the kitchen operations and the team, with motivation and commitment to deliver outstanding service. To lead the kitchen team from the front 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:
• Experience in Japanese cuisine preferred but not essential
• 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

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, by The Caterer

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers about Cleaning Staff Jobs

Q What is the National Living Wage rate for cleaning staff jobs in the United Kingdom from April 2026?
The National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.50 per hour as of 1 April 2026 according to the latest rates published on GOV.UK. Cleaning staff on zero-hour contracts must receive this rate for every hour worked including travel time between sites. Overtime does not attract a higher statutory rate but must still meet the £12.50 minimum.
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Non-UK nationals must complete a right to work check before starting any cleaning role and can only work if they hold a valid visa such as Skilled Worker or Seasonal Worker permit. The Seasonal Worker visa allows up to 6 months employment in 2026 with a maximum of 3 months per employer. Employers must verify documents via the GOV.UK online service before the first shift.
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Applicants must provide a valid passport or national identity card plus proof of right to work such as a share code from the GOV.UK service or a biometric residence permit. No formal education certificates are required but employers often request a basic DBS check certificate for roles in schools or hospitals. A National Insurance number must be supplied within 8 weeks of starting work.
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Full-time cleaning contracts are typically 37.5 hours per week with a maximum average of 48 hours under the Working Time Regulations 1998. Workers receive 5.6 weeks of paid holiday per year including bank holidays which equals 28 days for someone working 5 days a week. Part-time staff accrue leave on a pro-rata basis at 12.07% of hours worked.
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