Chef / Kitchen Crew – Skilled Worker sponsorship for eligible Chef candidates who meet the applicable immigration requirements

FULL JOB DESCRIPTION

Employer:YEMEN HEAVEN

Position:Chef / Kitchen Crew 

Salary: £41,700.00 per year 

Job Types: Full-time

Location: York, England

About YEMEN HEAVEN

YEMEN HEAVEN is an award-winning independent restaurant in the heart of York, specialising in authentic Yemenite cuisine presented within a modern and distinctive dining environment.

Since opening, the restaurant has gained significant regional and national recognition and has developed a strong reputation for its food, hospitality and unique culinary identity.

As the restaurant continues to develop, we are looking for talented and reliable people to strengthen our kitchen team.

We are particularly interested in chefs who want to develop their skills, take pride in consistency and quality, and build a longer-term career with YEMEN HEAVEN.

Previous experience with Yemenite or Middle Eastern cuisine is welcome but is not essential. Full training in our dishes, preparation methods, spices and kitchen systems will be provided.

The Role

Depending on experience, the successful candidate will work as part of our professional kitchen team preparing and producing dishes for service while maintaining YEMEN HEAVEN’s standards of quality, consistency, organisation and food safety.

For experienced candidates, the position will involve genuine chef responsibilities and greater ownership of preparation, cooking and service.

Responsibilities may include:

• Preparing ingredients and completing daily mise en place
• Preparing and cooking dishes to YEMEN HEAVEN recipes and specifications
• Working across different sections of the kitchen during preparation and service
• Cooking meat, fish, breads, rice dishes, sauces and other menu components
• Ensuring dishes are prepared consistently and presented to the required standard
• Learning and developing knowledge of Yemenite ingredients, spices and traditional cooking techniques
• Following portion controls, recipes and preparation procedures
• Monitoring food quality throughout preparation and service
• Supporting efficient kitchen service during busy periods
• Receiving, checking and correctly storing deliveries
• Supporting stock rotation, stock control and reducing unnecessary food waste
• Maintaining clean, organised and properly stocked workstations
• Following food hygiene, allergen and health and safety procedures
• Completing opening, closing and cleaning duties
• Communicating effectively with chefs, Front of House staff and management
• Supporting junior members of the kitchen team where appropriate
• Identifying operational issues and helping maintain an efficient kitchen
• Contributing ideas for improvements to dishes, preparation methods and kitchen organisation where appropriate

More experienced chefs may also be given responsibility for:

• Managing a kitchen section during service
• Training and supporting junior kitchen staff
• Monitoring preparation and service standards
• Assisting with stock management and ordering
• Supporting menu development and seasonal dishes
• Assisting senior chefs with kitchen organisation and quality control

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for people who are:

• Reliable, punctual and professional
• Comfortable working in a busy restaurant kitchen
• Organised and able to work with a strong sense of urgency
• Consistent and attentive to detail
• Able to follow recipes and operating procedures accurately
• Comfortable receiving feedback and developing their skills
• Able to communicate effectively with the wider kitchen team
• Committed to maintaining excellent food-hygiene standards
• Available to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays
• Genuinely interested in developing with YEMEN HEAVEN over the longer term

Previous professional kitchen experience is preferred.

Applicants seeking appointment at Chef level should have previous experience preparing and cooking food within a professional restaurant, hotel or catering kitchen.

Experience with Yemenite, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean or similar cuisines would be advantageous but is not required.

Training and Progression

The successful candidate will receive structured training in:

• YEMEN HEAVEN’s menu and recipes
• Yemenite ingredients and spices
• Food preparation and cooking techniques
• Portioning and presentation standards
• Kitchen organisation and service procedures
• Food safety and allergen procedures

We encourage progression within the kitchen.

A capable Kitchen Crew member may progress into positions such as Commis Chef, Chef de Partie, Sous Chef and other senior kitchen responsibilities as their skills and experience develop.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience and responsibilities
• Tips in addition to base salary
• Free staff meals on qualifying shifts
• Employee discount
• Structured training in Yemenite cuisine
• Opportunities for increased responsibility and progression
• Experience working with a distinctive and growing restaurant concept
• A respectful and professionally managed working environment
• Skilled Worker sponsorship for eligible Chef candidates who meet the applicable immigration requirements

Skilled Worker Sponsorship

YEMEN HEAVEN is able to consider Skilled Worker sponsorship for certain applicants being recruited into a genuine Chef position.

Following changes to the Skilled Worker rules from 22 July 2025, Chef roles are subject to transitional immigration provisions.

Sponsorship may therefore be considered where the applicant:

• Was granted permission as a Skilled Worker under the Immigration Rules in force before 22 July 2025
• Has maintained continuous Skilled Worker permission since then
• Has the professional experience and ability required to perform the genuine Chef position being offered
• Meets the applicable Skilled Worker salary and other immigration requirements

The salary required for a sponsored appointment will depend on the applicant’s individual immigration circumstances and the applicable Skilled Worker salary rules.

Applicants whose first Skilled Worker Certificate of Sponsorship was issued before 4 April 2024 may be subject to different transitional salary requirements.

Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for a Kitchen Assistant or Kitchen Porter position.

Applicants who do not meet the transitional Skilled Worker requirements must already have an independent right to work in the UK.

How to Apply

Please apply with your CV and a brief introduction confirming:

• Your current location
• Your availability and preferred start date
• Your professional kitchen experience
• The types of kitchens and restaurants you have previously worked in
• Your current or most recent kitchen position
• Your current UK right-to-work or immigration status
• Whether you require Skilled Worker sponsorship
• Why you are interested in joining YEMEN HEAVEN

Applications can also be sent to info@yemenheaven.com.

Immediate interviews are available for suitable candidates.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Professional development
• Tips

Schedule:

• Day shifts
• Evening shifts
• Weekend availability
• Bank holidays

Benefits:

• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount

Work Location: In person

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