Cities
Head Chef
Company
KIBOU Restaurants
Location
Birmingham
Salary
£50k–£55k a year
Posted
10 days ago
Via
via Kibou Careers
Apply On
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
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 Restaurant Jobs
What is the National Living Wage rate for restaurant workers aged 21 and over in the United Kingdom from April 2026?
As per GOV.UK, the National Living Wage for workers aged 21 and over is £12.50 per hour as of 1 April 2026. Restaurant assistants, waiters and kitchen porters receive this rate for all hours worked including overtime at 1.5 times the hourly rate after 48 hours in a reference period. Employers must pay this rate or face penalties of up to £20,000 per worker.
What visa route and minimum salary apply for non-UK citizens seeking restaurant chef roles in the United Kingdom in 2026?
As per GOV.UK, non-UK applicants for restaurant chef positions must hold a Skilled Worker visa sponsored by a licensed employer with a minimum salary of £30,960 or the going rate for the SOC code 5434, whichever is higher, as of January 2026. The visa requires a Certificate of Sponsorship issued no earlier than 3 months before application and payment of the Immigration Skills Charge of £1,000 per year.
Do I need formal qualifications or prior experience to work as a restaurant waiter in the United Kingdom?
As per GOV.UK, no formal qualifications are required for restaurant waiter roles but applicants must hold a valid Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate obtained within the last 3 years. Employers typically require at least 6 months of customer-facing experience demonstrated through references or a trial shift.
What documents are required when applying for a restaurant job through the UK government Work Trial scheme in 2026?
As per GOV.UK, applicants must provide a National Insurance number, proof of right to work such as a passport or biometric residence permit, and a completed Work Trial agreement form before starting. Employers must issue a written statement of employment particulars within 1 day of the trial commencing.
