designate head chef

wagamama; London; On-site; Full time

Job summary

Wagamama is seeking a Head Chef to lead their kitchen team, ensuring high dish standards and fostering a motivated work environment. Responsibilities include team development and maintaining food safety standards while embodying the Wagamama values. The role offers an attractive bonus scheme and extensive training opportunities.

Benefits

Bonus scheme | up to £8,000 a year

Private medical insurance + pension scheme

Dedicated 6-week training programme

Dry-cleaned chef whites provided every shift

£14 - £25 of free food allowance on every shift

50% discount at Wagamama + 30% off all other TRG brands

Internal progression opportunities

28 days holiday

Access to wellness programmes

Financial wellbeing support | access to loans

Qualifications

• Experienced head chef with leadership capabilities.
• Strong communicator fostering team engagement.
• Experience in maintaining high food standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead kitchen team ensuring high-quality dish standards.
• Develop and support team through inspiration.
• Adapt to changing demands while managing costs.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Food Safety

Financial Acumen

Adaptability

Team Inclusion

Job description

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Head Chef at Wagamama

As a head chef at Wagamama, you'll lead your kitchen team in the Wagamama way, embody our people promise, values, and core leadership behaviours. You’ll be responsible for ensuring that every dish served meets our high standards. You’ll also focus on the development and growth of your team through inspiring leadership, ensuring they are engaged, motivated, and high performing.

• Bonus scheme | up to £8,000 a year bonus opportunity
• Private medical insurance + pension scheme
• Dedicated 6-week training programme
• Dry-cleaned chef whites provided every shift
• £14 - £25 of free food allowance on every shift
• 50% discount at Wagamama + 30% off all other TRG brands with family and friends
• Internal progression opportunities | fully funded apprenticeship programmes
• 28 days holiday
• Kintsugi wellness | access to counsellors, cycle to work scheme, discounted gym + leisure
• Family friendly policy | 26 weeks full pay + 13 weeks half pay for expectant or adopting parents
• Financial wellbeing support | access to salary-repaid loans for urgent needs

What we look for

• An experienced head chef capable of leading a kitchen team through positive behaviour and actions to drive performance in a fast-paced and complex environment
• A strong communicator who engages in real conversations with consideration and care, making sure your team feels heard and supported
• Experience in maintaining high standards in food, health, and safety
• Understanding of financial performance, including gross profit and stock control
• Ability to manage labour costs and adapt to changing demands
• Passionate about creating an inclusive environment where your team feels respected and belonging
• A leader who inspires and engages their team to nourish and flourish in their roles and careers

The Wagamama Way

Kaizen, meaning 'good change,' is our core philosophy. It influences everything we do, from our food to our work practices. We are committed to championing change within our communities and for the planet.

Celebrating difference and valuing personality over perfection, we welcome everyone and their unique stories. We promise to support each other, build trust, and create safe spaces for open, honest conversations. We ask only that you bring your unique self to the role.