Executive Kitchen Leader (Hiring Immediately)

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

Job summary

An established industry player is on the lookout for a passionate head chef to lead their kitchen team in Maidstone. This role emphasizes the importance of fostering a positive and inclusive work culture while delivering exceptional culinary experiences. You'll be responsible for coaching and developing your team, maintaining high food safety standards, and managing financial aspects like stock control and labor costs. With a commitment to personal and professional growth, this position offers a chance to make a significant impact in a vibrant and dynamic environment. Join a company that values individuality and diversity, and be part of a journey that nourishes from bowl to soul.

Benefits

Bonus scheme up to £8,000

Access to earnings before payday

Private medical insurance

Free shift food

50% off for friends and family

Family-friendly policy

Dry-cleaned chef whites

Recognition program

Pension schemes

Gym memberships

Qualifications

• Experience in maintaining food safety and health standards.
• Ability to inspire and develop a team through coaching.

Responsibilities

• Inspire the kitchen team to exceed guest expectations.
• Maintain high standards and ensure excellent guest experiences.

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:

maidstone, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

3

Posted:

08.05.2025

Expiry Date:

22.06.2025

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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 seeking a head manager 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, maintaining high standards. You will coach and develop your team to excel while driving performance and achieving excellent results.

If you |

• Prioritize cultivating a positive, inclusive work culture through emotional intelligence, inspiration, and effective delegation. You will influence and empower emerging leaders through training, coaching, and mentorship.
• Are dedicated to delivering an exceptional guest experience, ensuring every dish meets high standards and your team is equipped with the necessary skills and mindset.
• Are experienced in maintaining food safety, health standards, and understanding financial aspects such as gross profit, stock control, and labor costs, proactively identifying 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 belonging, enabling them to flourish in their roles and careers.
• Are a forward-thinking problem solver, capable of quick decision-making.

We'd love to hear from you

What's in it for you |

• Bonus scheme – up to £8,000 annual bonus
• Access up to 30% of your earnings before payday with wagestream
• Private medical insurance
• Free shift food — anything from our menu! Plus 50% off outside of work for friends and family
• An 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 each shift
• Wagamama parties with VIP guests throughout the year
• Nationwide recognition as a wok star through our recognition program

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.