Inspirational Culinary Leader (Hiring Immediately)

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

Job summary

Join an exciting new opening as a Senior Sous Chef with a forward-thinking culinary team. This role offers the chance to lead and inspire your kitchen team while ensuring exceptional guest experiences. You'll maintain high food safety standards, manage kitchen financials, and foster a positive work culture. With a focus on personal and professional growth, this position provides opportunities to make quick decisions in a dynamic environment. Enjoy a range of perks including a bonus scheme, discounts, and industry-leading family-friendly policies. Be part of a vibrant culinary journey!

Benefits

Bonus scheme – up to £3,000 per year

Access up to 30% of earnings before payday

Share of tips

Free food on shift

50% discount outside of work

Paid leave for expectant or adopting parents

Opportunity to experience new menus first

Dry-cleaned chef whites provided

Wagamama parties and VIP guest events

National recognition as a Wok Star

Qualifications

• Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a fast-paced kitchen.
• Strong communication skills to support and lead the team.

Responsibilities

• Create a positive environment for team and guests.
• Maintain high standards in food preparation and safety.
• Drive restaurant performance and deliver excellent results.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Food Safety Standards

Problem Solving

Financial Management

Job description

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Inspirational Culinary Leader (Hiring Immediately), Colchester

Client: Wagamama

Location: Colchester, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Views:

3

Posted:

08.05.2025

Expiry Date:

22.06.2025

Job Description:

Senior Sous Chef | Full Time

Be part of our exciting new opening!

At Wagamama, with over 165 restaurants, we celebrate difference and appreciate personality over perfection — we call it be you, be Wagamama. We are looking for a Senior Sous Chef to join us on our journey to nourish from bowl to soul.

The Role:

As a Senior Sous Chef, you’ll be an inspirational leader, creating a positive environment for your team and guests. You will support in coaching and developing your team to excel while driving restaurant performance and delivering excellent results.

What You Need To Do:

• Create a positive environment where your team feels cared for and listened to, celebrating successes, nurturing talent, and role modeling a coaching culture.
• Ensure an excellent guest experience by maintaining high standards in food preparation and equipping your team accordingly.
• Maintain spotless food, health, and safety standards, understand financial performance including gross profit, stock control, and labor costs, and proactively spot opportunities.
• Build a coaching culture, working with your Head Chef on recruitment and ongoing development, fostering personal and professional growth.
• Be a forward-thinking problem solver, able to think on your feet and make quick decisions.

What We Look For:

• Experience leading a kitchen team as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to have genuine conversations and support your team.
• Proven experience in maintaining high standards of food, health, and safety.
• Understanding of kitchen financials, including gross profit and stock control.
• Ability to manage labor costs and adapt to changing demands.
• Leadership qualities that inspire and engage your team.
• Passion for creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued.
• A proactive problem solver who can make quick decisions.

What’s In It For You:

• Bonus scheme – up to £3,000 per year
• Access up to 30% of earnings before payday with Wagestream
• Share of tips (tips go directly to the team)
• Free food on shift and 50% discount outside of work
• Industry-leading family-friendly policies, including paid leave for expectant or adopting parents
• Opportunity to experience our new menus first
• Dry-cleaned chef whites provided each shift
• Wagamama parties and VIP guest events
• National recognition as a Wok Star

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

Be You, Be Wagamama

Wagamama is proudly part of the Disability Confident scheme.

*All tips are paid directly to our teams. Tips vary by restaurant, are at guests' discretion, and are not considered wages or guaranteed.