Central London - London

Wahaca; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Food and drink discounts

Probationary bonus £100

Referral bonuses up to £1,000

Quarterly bonus scheme

Enhanced parental pay

Job summary

Wahaca is seeking a Head Chef to bring its vibrant Mexican food philosophy to life in the kitchen in London. You will set the tone in the kitchen, drive brand standards, and build a culture of pride and accountability while guiding a dynamic kitchen team to deliver WOW-worthy guest experiences.

You will champion high food safety standards, lead from the front, and ensure recipes and training are followed. A passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients and incorporating staff development is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen team and delivering high-quality dishes.
• Commitment to food safety standards and HACCP principles.
• Ability to train and develop junior kitchen staff.

Responsibilities

• Maintain the highest food safety standards with the General Manager.
• Lead and develop kitchen team including sous and line cooks.
• Inspire the team by leading from the front and ensuring WOW guest experiences.
• Champion a positive, supportive environment and staff growth.
• Ensure dishes are prepared from scratch using seasonal ingredients and strict recipes.
• Own stock control and ordering; manage systems supporting daily operations.

Skills

Food safety

Leadership

Team management

Stock control

Recipe adherence

Training & development

Job description

Our story:

Wahaca is a leading Mexican restaurant in the UK, founded by Thomasina Miers (MasterChef winner) and Mark Selby. Inspired by their time in Mexico, their mission is to show the UK how vibrant and delicious Mexican food is, championing great British produce and sourcing ingredients locally.

Rooted in our founders' values, we serve a taste of Mexican sunshine throughshowing pride, staying humble,choosingintegrity, having fun, and thinking positively. With an upbeat atmosphere and chef made dishes, we believe every meal should be an adventure and every guest a friend.

As Head Chef, you bring our food philosophy to life on every plate, setting the tone in the kitchen and building a culture of pride and accountability. We're looking for a hospitality leader who will play a pivotal role in driving our brand standards forward and inspiring their team to deliver a WOW-worthy experience for every guest.

Howyou'lldrive success:

• Work alongside your General Manager to maintain the highest food safety standards


• Lead, manage and develop a strong kitchen team including Sous Chef, section chefs, prep chefs and kitchen assistants


• Inspire and guide your team by leading from the front, always ready to step in and support, ensuring all guests are served up a taste of Mexican sunshine


• Champion a positive environment and deeply care about your team, supporting their growth and progression


• A passion for fresh food - our dishes are made from scratch using seasonal ingredients, and you'll ensure our chefs are fully trained to follow recipes and maintain the highest standards


• Take ownership for stock control and ordering and confidently manage systems that support daily operations

People do their best work when they feel looked after inside and outside of work -because when our teams thrive, so do our guests. Creating a supportive, inclusive and energising environment is just as important to us as delivering great food and service. That's why we offer a range of great benefits:

FINANCIAL:

• 70% off foodand 50% off drinkswhen dining atWahacawith up to 3 friends

• £100 to celebrate your probationinWahaca

• Up to £1,000 through friend referrals

• Quarterly bonus scheme

• Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption pay

• Early accessto wages, financialsupportand discounts through Stream

HEALTH AND WELLBEING:

• Free, nutritious meal every time you work, freshlymadeby ourtalentedchefs

• Cycle to work scheme

• Support from our trained Mental Health First Aiders

• Time off for when needed; like your child's first day at school

• Sabbatical -4weeks paid off work- every 5 years

DEVELOPMENT:

• Training courses: Mental Health First Aid, Food Safety LV 3. ,

• Inspirational trips with our co-founders

• Own development plan- we are committed to growing our people from within

SOCIAL:

• Unwind and turn up the fun at one of our many eventsacross the yearsuch as WOW Fest!

• OurveryownMasterchefand Cocktail competitions

• The fun is in your hands withallocatedfunds and time to drive the fun with your team

Ifyou'reinspired by whatyou'veread and have a passion for delivering exceptional hospitality,we'dbe thrilled to have you join our team!

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