Job Description

About Korea Foods Company:

Korea Foods Company is a family-owned importer, distributor, and retailer of Korean and other Asian food. We are the largest importer of Korean food in Europe, distribute to 1200 wholesale customers, including the major multiples, and operate 19 retail shops in the UK.
We pride ourselves on working hard, quickly, and we are currently undertaking new expansion plans that will drive the company's capabilities further.

Contract:

Permanent, Full-time, Subject to 3-month probation

Hours:

45hours per week, weekend availability required

Position Overview

The Head Chef leads the kitchen team and is responsible for the delivery of consistently excellent Korean dishes. This role encompasses direct cooking responsibilities alongside the effective management of kitchen operations, ensuring that authenticity, quality, food safety and cost control standards are upheld. The Head Chef is accountable for staffing, training and day-to-day kitchen performance, and reports to the Shop Manager while collaborating closely with the Executive Chef on culinary direction.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership

Oversee daily kitchen operations to ensure timely preparation and presentation of all Korean menu items.

Maintain authenticity, consistency and portion control across the full Korean offering.

Ensure all recipes, preparation methods and plating standards are followed accurately.

Support the development and refinement of menu items in collaboration with the Executive Chef.

Coach the kitchen team during service to maintain standards under varying service demands.

Food Quality, Safety & HACCP Compliance

Champion a culture of food safety by implementing and maintaining documented HACCP procedures.

Ensure full compliance with UK food hygiene legislation, allergen requirements and company policies.

Monitor storage, handling and preparation of ingredients, with particular attention to rice-based products.

Conduct regular hygiene checks and enforce high standards of cleanliness and organisation.

Leadership & Team Effectiveness

Lead by example to foster a professional and supportive kitchen environment.

Train, supervise and develop chefs and kitchen assistants through ongoing coaching.

Plan rotas and allocate duties to ensure adequate coverage during peak periods.

Address performance or conduct issues promptly and professionally.

Inventory & Waste Control

Manage stock ordering, storage and rotation to ensure freshness and minimise waste.

Monitor ingredient usage and support cost-effective kitchen practices.

Identify opportunities to improve efficiency without compromising quality.

Collaboration & Operational Coordination

Work closely with Shop Management and Retail teams to support smooth service delivery.

Communicate operational updates, challenges and requirements clearly and professionally.

Support internal audits, visits and operational reviews as required.

Candidate Profile & Core Competencies

Minimum five years' professional kitchen experience, including at least two years in a senior role.

Demonstrated experience in Korean cuisine and high-volume food production.

Strong understanding of HACCP systems, food safety regulations and allergen management.

Proven leadership, organisation and communication skills.

Calm, resilient and detail-oriented approach to kitchen operations.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From 35,100.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Employee discount Store discount
Work Location: In person