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

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

Job summary

An innovative dining experience awaits as a Designate Head Chef at a renowned restaurant. This role is all about inspiring and leading a talented kitchen team, ensuring that every dish meets high standards while fostering a positive and inclusive work culture. You will play a pivotal role in nurturing emerging leaders, driving performance, and creating memorable guest experiences. With a competitive bonus scheme and a range of benefits, this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your culinary expertise and leadership skills in a vibrant environment. Join a forward-thinking team that values individuality and personal growth, making every day in the kitchen rewarding.

Benefits

Bonus scheme up to £8,000

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

Wagamama parties

National recognition program

Pension schemes and discounts

Qualifications

• Experience in a high-volume kitchen environment.
• Strong understanding of food, health, and safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire kitchen team to deliver exceptional food quality.
• Maintain high standards of food safety and guest experience.

Skills

Team Leadership

Food Safety Standards

Emotional Intelligence

Problem Solving

Coaching and Mentoring

Education

Culinary Degree

Food Safety Certification

Job description

Job Title:

Head Chef - Be You, Be Wagamama Culture (Hiring Immediately), Maidstone

Client:

wagamama

Location:

Maidstone, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

EU Work Permit Required:

Yes

Job Views:

2

Posted:

08.05.2025

Expiry Date:

22.06.2025

Job Description:

Designate Head Chef | Full Time

At Wagamama, with over 165 restaurants, we celebrate individuality and personality over perfection. We are looking for a Designate Head Chef to inspire and lead our kitchen team, ensuring high standards and exceptional guest experiences. Join us on our journey to nourish from bowl to soul.

The Role:

As a Designate Head Chef, you will motivate your team to deliver outstanding service and food quality, coaching and developing them to reach their full potential while driving performance and results.

About You:

• You prioritize creating a positive, inclusive work culture through emotional intelligence, inspiration, and effective delegation. You excel at training, coaching, and mentoring emerging leaders.
• You are committed to excellence in guest experience, ensuring every dish meets high standards and your team is well-equipped with necessary skills and mindset.
• You have experience maintaining impeccable food, health, and safety standards, understanding financial aspects such as gross profit, stock control, and labor costs, and proactively identifying opportunities.
• You focus on team building and nurturing, from recruitment to ongoing development, fostering personal and professional growth.
• You care about creating an environment where your team feels respected and valued, enabling them to thrive in their roles and careers.
• You are a forward-thinking problem solver, capable of quick decision-making and thinking on your feet.

What We Offer:

• Bonus scheme – up to £8,000 annually
• Access up to 30% of earnings before payday with Wagestream
• Private medical insurance
• Free food on shift, plus 50% off outside work for friends and family
• Industry-leading family-friendly policies, including 26 weeks full pay and 13 weeks half pay 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 program – be a wok star

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

Be You, Be Wagamama

Wagamama is proudly part of the Disability Confident scheme.