Culinary Team Leader (Hiring Immediately)

Wagamama; Bristol; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Wagamama is seeking a Senior Sous Chef to lead a kitchen team, fostering a positive environment while ensuring high standards in food preparation and safety. This role emphasizes coaching, team development, and driving restaurant performance. Join a diverse company that values individuality and offers numerous benefits, including a bonus scheme and family-friendly policies.

Benefits

Bonus scheme — up to £3,000 annually

Access to 30% of earnings before payday

Share of tips

Free food on shift

50% off outside work

26 weeks full pay + 13 weeks half pay for parents

Dry-cleaned chef whites provided

Recognition as a nationwide 'Wok Star'

Qualifications

• Experienced Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef leading a kitchen team.
• Proven experience in maintaining high standards in food, health, and safety.

Responsibilities

• Foster a positive environment for your team and guests.
• Ensure high standards in dish preparation and kitchen safety.
• Support continuous coaching and development of your team.

Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Leadership

Job description

Job Description

Senior Sous Chef | Full Time

With over three decades of celebrating individuality and diversity, we at Wagamama prioritize personality over perfection — we call it 'be you, be Wagamama'. With more than 165 restaurants, we are seeking a Senior Sous Chef to join us on our journey to nourish from bowl to soul.

The Role |

As a Senior Sous Chef, you will be an inspirational leader, fostering a positive environment for your team and guests. You will support continuous coaching and development of your team to excel, while driving restaurant performance and delivering outstanding results.

You Will |

• Focus on creating a positive environment where your team feels cared for and listened to, celebrating successes. Prioritize nurturing and developing talent within your team, role-modelling a coaching culture within the management team.
• Ensure an excellent guest experience by maintaining high standards in dish preparation, whether through your own efforts or by empowering your team with the necessary skills and mindset.
• Maintain impeccable food, health, and safety standards in your kitchen. Understand the financial aspects of a kitchen, including gross profit, stock control, and labour costs, and proactively spot opportunities as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef.
• Build a coaching culture within your team, working closely with your Head Chef on recruitment and ongoing development. Commit to fostering both personal and professional growth.
• Be a forward-thinking problem solver, capable of quick decision-making and thinking on your feet.

What We Look For |

• An experienced Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef who leads a kitchen team, driving performance through positive behaviour in a fast-paced, complex environment.
• A strong communicator who engages in honest, caring conversations, ensuring your team feels supported and heard.
• Proven experience in maintaining high standards in food, health, and safety.
• Understanding of kitchen financials, including gross profit and stock control.
• Experience managing labour costs and adapting to changing demands.
• A leader who inspires and engages their team to thrive and grow in their roles and careers.
• Passionate about creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued.
• A forward-thinking problem solver, able to make quick decisions on your feet.

What’s In It For You |

• Bonus scheme — up to £3,000 annually
• Access up to 30% of your earnings before payday with Wagestream
• Share of tips (tips are at guests' discretion, vary by restaurant, and are not guaranteed wages)
• Free food on shift from our menu, plus 50% off outside work to treat friends and family
• Industry-leading family-friendly policy: 26 weeks full pay + 13 weeks half pay for expectant or adopting parents
• First to experience our new menus
• Dry-cleaned chef whites provided each shift
• Wagamama parties with VIP guests throughout the year
• Recognition as a nationwide 'Wok Star' through our national recognition programme

Additional benefits include pension scheme, holiday allowance, training, cycle-to-work scheme, retail and leisure discounts, gym memberships, and long service awards.

Be You, Be Wagamama

Wagamama is proudly part of the Disability Confident scheme.

*Tips are 100% given to our teams and vary by restaurant. They are left at guests' discretion, are not considered wages, and are not guaranteed.