Kitchen Operations Leader (Hiring Immediately)

JR United Kingdom; Leicester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Head Chef, where individuality and diversity are celebrated. You'll lead a passionate team in a vibrant kitchen, ensuring exceptional guest experiences while maintaining the highest standards of food safety and quality. With a focus on personal and professional growth, you'll cultivate a positive work culture and empower emerging leaders. Enjoy a range of perks including a generous bonus scheme, private medical insurance, and free meals on shift. This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Bonus scheme — up to £8,000 annually

Access to earnings before payday

Private medical insurance

Free food on shift

50% off for friends and family

26 weeks full pay for parents

Dry-cleaned chef whites provided

Wagamama parties throughout the year

Recognition program for wok stars

Pension schemes and holiday benefits

Qualifications

• Experience in maintaining high food, health, and safety standards.
• Ability to coach and develop team members effectively.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and lead the kitchen team to exceed guest expectations.
• Ensure every dish meets high standards and promote team development.

Skills

Emotional Intelligence

Team Leadership

Food Safety Standards

Financial Performance Management

Problem Solving

Job description

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Client:

wagamama

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Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

4

Posted:

08.05.2025

Expiry Date:

22.06.2025

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Job Description:

Head Chef | Full Time | Tunbridge Wells

At Wagamama, we celebrate individuality and diversity. With over 165 restaurants, we prioritize personality over perfection — we call it be you, be wagamama. We are looking for a Head Chef to join us on our journey to nourish from bowl to soul.

The Role |

As a Head Chef, you will inspire your team to exceed guest expectations while maintaining high standards. You will coach and develop your team, drive performance, and deliver exceptional 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 influencing and empowering emerging leaders through training, coaching, and mentorship.
• Are dedicated to delivering excellent guest experiences, ensuring every dish meets high standards, and equipping your team with the necessary skills and mindset.
• Have experience maintaining impeccable food, health, and safety standards, understanding financial performance including gross profit, stock control, and labor costs, and proactively spotting opportunities.
• Focus on building and nurturing your team from recruitment to ongoing development, fostering personal and professional growth.
• Care about creating an inclusive environment where your team feels respected and that they belong, allowing them to flourish in their roles and careers.
• Are a forward-thinking problem solver, able to think quickly and make decisive actions.

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 — anything from our menu! Plus 50% off outside 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 throughout the year with VIP guests
• Nationwide recognition as a wok star through our recognition program

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.