Executive Culinary Leader (Hiring Immediately)

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

Job summary

Join an innovative culinary team as a Head Chef in Southampton, where you will lead with passion and creativity. In this role, you will inspire your team to deliver outstanding guest experiences while maintaining exceptional food standards. With a focus on personal and professional growth, you will cultivate a positive work culture that values individuality and teamwork. Enjoy a range of benefits, including a generous bonus scheme, private medical insurance, and access to a family-friendly policy. This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Bonus scheme — up to £8,000 per year

Access up to 30% of earnings before payday

Private medical insurance

Free food on shift

50% off food outside of work

Industry-leading family-friendly policy

Dry-cleaned chef whites

Wagamama parties with VIP guests

Recognition as a nationwide Wok Star

Pension scheme and holiday entitlement

Qualifications

• Experience in leading culinary teams and ensuring high standards.
• Ability to create a positive and inclusive work culture.

Responsibilities

• Inspire the team to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
• Coach and develop team members to achieve their full potential.

Skills

Emotional Intelligence

Coaching and Mentoring

Food Safety Standards

Problem Solving

Team Building

Job description

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Executive Culinary Leader (Hiring Immediately), Southampton

Client: Wagamama

Location: Southampton, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Views:

2

Posted:

08.05.2025

Expiry Date:

22.06.2025

Job Description:

Head Chef | Full Time

At Wagamama, we celebrate individuality and diversity. With over 165 restaurants, we value personality over perfection — we call it "be you, be Wagamama." We are looking for a Head Manager to join us on our journey to nourish both body and soul.

The Role:

As a 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.

Ideal Candidate:

• Prioritizes creating a positive, inclusive work culture through emotional intelligence, inspiration, and effective delegation. You excel at training, coaching, and mentoring emerging leaders.
• Dedicated to delivering outstanding guest experiences, ensuring every dish meets exceptional standards, and empowering your team with the necessary skills and mindset.
• Experienced in maintaining food safety, health standards, and understanding financial performance, including gross profit, stock control, and labor costs.
• Committed to building and nurturing your team from recruitment through ongoing development, fostering personal and professional growth.
• Values creating an inclusive environment where team members feel respected and belong, enabling them to flourish in their roles and careers.
• A proactive problem solver, able to think quickly and make effective decisions.

What’s in it for you:

• Bonus scheme — up to £8,000 per year
• Access up to 30% of earnings before payday with Wagestream
• Private medical insurance
• Free food on shift from our menu, plus 50% 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)
• First access to our new menus
• Dry-cleaned chef whites provided every shift
• Wagamama parties with VIP guests throughout the year
• Recognition as a nationwide Wok Star through our national recognition program

Additional benefits include pension scheme, holiday entitlement, training opportunities, cycle-to-work scheme, retail and leisure discounts, gym memberships, and long service awards.

Be You, Be Wagamama

Wagamama is proudly part of the Disability Confident scheme.