Job Description

Role

: Head Chef

Address

: The Boardwalk Lakeside Shopping Centre, Lakeside shopping centre, West Thurrock, Grays RM20 2ZN

Salary

: 32,000 - 36,000 OTE

Hours

: 45 - 50 per week (hours are negotiable)

Commencement Date

: 1 month

Be part of something new - join Maki & Ramen Lakeside (RM20 2ZN)

We're Maki & Ramen - a growing, Japanese-inspired dining brand known for our homemade ramen and freshly prepared sushi. With a strong focus on quality and warm, attentive service, we're passionate about delivering a memorable experience for every guest.

For our newest Lakeside location, we're looking for an experienced and adaptable Full Time Head Chef to lead the launch and shape the future of this exciting new site. If you're ready to take the next step in your career and be part of a vibrant, expanding team, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and manage the kitchen operations of a Japanese restaurant, ensuring authentic and high-quality preparation of Japanese dishes in line with brand standards. Oversee the preparation, cooking and presentation of Japanese cuisine, including core menu items, maintaining consistency during high-volume service. Train, develop and supervise the kitchen team on Japanese cooking techniques, recipes, knife skills and presentation standards. Ensure all dishes are prepared and presented to specification, maintaining consistency during peak trading periods. Manage food costs, portion control, stock rotation and waste to maximise profitability. Ensure full compliance with food safety, health & safety and hygiene regulations at all times. Plan rotas effectively to meet business demands while controlling labour costs. Work closely with the Restaurant General Manager to support overall operational and commercial performance. Maintain kitchen standards in line with shopping centre requirements and audits.

Skills & Requirements:

Proven experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef,

preferably within a Japanese restaurant or Japanese cuisine-led concept

. Strong knowledge of Japanese ingredients, cooking methods and kitchen practices. Confident leadership skills with experience training and developing kitchen teams. Ability to deliver consistent food quality in a fast-paced, high-volume environment. Strong organisational and time-management skills. Thorough understanding of UK food safety, health & safety and hygiene regulations. Flexible availability, including evenings, weekends and peak trading periods. Passion for Japanese food, quality, and kitchen excellence.
What are you waiting for? Join us today!

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 32,000.00-36,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Additional leave Company events Discounted or free food Sick pay
Experience:

Kitchen management: 1 year (required) Head Chef: 1 year (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Location:

Grays RM20 2ZN (required)
Work Location: In person