head chef - Be You, Be Wagamama Culture (Hiring Immediately)

JR United Kingdom; Reading; On-site; GBP 6,000 - 8,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Designate Head Chef to lead their kitchen team in a vibrant and inclusive environment. This role emphasizes personal growth, team empowerment, and exceptional guest experiences. With a focus on high standards and culinary excellence, you will drive performance while nurturing a positive work culture. Enjoy benefits like a generous bonus scheme, private medical insurance, and discounts on meals, making this opportunity not just a job, but a rewarding career path. Join a company that values individuality and diversity, where your contributions truly matter.

Benefits

Bonus scheme – up to £8,000 a year

Access to earnings before payday

Private medical insurance

Free food on shift

50% off for friends and family

26 weeks full pay for expectant parents

Dry-cleaned chef whites provided

Recognition programme

Pension schemes

Gym memberships

Qualifications

• Experience in managing kitchen operations and leading a team.
• Strong focus on guest experience and food quality.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and develop your team to exceed guest expectations.
• Maintain high food safety and health standards.

Skills

Emotional Intelligence

Team Leadership

Food Safety Standards

Financial Management

Problem Solving

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

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Client:

wagamama

Location:

reading, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

2

Posted:

08.05.2025

Expiry Date:

22.06.2025

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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 looking for a Designate Head Manager 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 exceed guest expectations, maintain high standards, and develop your team to reach their potential while driving performance and achieving excellent results.

If you |

• Prioritize creating a positive and inclusive work culture through emotional intelligence, inspiration, and effective delegation. You excel at influencing and empowering emerging leaders through training, coaching, and mentorship.
• Are committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences, ensuring every dish meets high standards, and equipping your team with the necessary skills and mindset.
• Have experience maintaining food, health, and safety standards, understanding financial aspects such as gross profit, stock control, and labor costs, and proactively spotting opportunities.
• Focus on building and nurturing your team from recruitment through ongoing development, fostering personal and professional growth.
• Care about creating an inclusive environment where your team feels respected and valued, allowing them to thrive in their roles and careers.
• Are a forward-thinking problem solver, able to make quick decisions and think on your feet.

We’d love to hear from you

What's in it for you |

• Bonus scheme – up to £8,000 a year
• Access up to 30% of your earnings before payday with Wagestream
• Private medical insurance
• Free food on shift — anything from our menu! Plus 50% off outside of work for friends and family
• Industry-leading family-friendly policy: 26 weeks full pay + 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 with VIP guests throughout the year
• Nationwide recognition as a wok star through our recognition 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.