designate head chef - Inclusive Work Environment (Hiring Immediately)

JR United Kingdom; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is looking for a passionate Designate Head Chef to lead their kitchen team. This role emphasizes nurturing talent and creating an inclusive work culture while maintaining the highest food safety and guest experience standards. You will be responsible for coaching and developing team members and ensuring every dish meets exceptional standards. With a supportive environment that values individuality and diversity, this opportunity allows you to make a significant impact while enjoying a range of benefits, including a generous bonus scheme and industry-leading family-friendly policies.

Benefits

Bonus scheme up to £8,000 annually

Private medical insurance

Free food on shift

50% off meals outside of work

26 weeks full pay for expectant parents

Dry-cleaned chef whites provided

Wagamama parties with VIP guests

Pension schemes

Gym memberships

Retail and leisure discounts

Qualifications

• Experience in maintaining food and safety standards.
• Strong skills in coaching and developing team members.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and lead the kitchen team to deliver exceptional dishes.
• Ensure high standards of food safety and guest experience.

Skills

Emotional Intelligence

Training and Coaching

Food Safety Standards

Problem Solving

Education

Culinary Arts Certification

Job description

Job Description:

Designate Head Chef | Full Time

At Wagamama, with over 165 restaurants, we celebrate individuality and diversity. We value personality over perfection — we call it be you, be wagamama. We are seeking a Designate Head Chef to join us on our journey to nourish both body and soul.

The Role:

As a Designate Head Chef, you will inspire your team to deliver exceptional guest experiences, maintaining high standards. You will coach and develop your team to reach their full potential while driving performance and achieving excellent results.

We’d Love to Hear From You If You:

• Prioritize cultivating a positive and inclusive work culture through emotional intelligence, inspiration, and effective delegation. You excel at training, coaching, and mentoring emerging leaders.
• Are dedicated to excellence in guest experience, ensuring every dish meets exceptional standards, either through your efforts or by empowering your team.
• Have experience maintaining food, health, and safety standards, and understand kitchen financials including gross profit, stock control, and labour costs.
• Focus on building and nurturing your team through recruitment and ongoing development, fostering personal and professional growth.
• Care about creating an inclusive environment where team members feel respected and valued, enabling them to flourish.
• Are a forward-thinking problem solver, able to make quick decisions on your feet.

What’s In It For You:

• Bonus scheme — up to £8,000 annually
• Access up to 30% of your earnings before payday with Wagestream
• Private medical insurance
• Free food on shift from our menu, plus 50% off outside of work
• Industry-leading family-friendly policy: 26 weeks full pay and 13 weeks half pay for expectant or adopting parents
• Be the first to try our new menus
• Dry-cleaned chef whites provided every shift
• Wagamama parties throughout the year with VIP guests
• Nationwide recognition through our Wok Star programme

Additionally, we offer pension schemes, holiday, training, cycle-to-work schemes, retail and leisure discounts, gym memberships, and long service awards.

Be You, Be Wagamama

Wagamama is proudly part of the Disability Confident scheme.