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

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

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Designate Head Chef, where individuality and diversity are celebrated. You will lead a dynamic team, inspiring them to deliver outstanding guest experiences while maintaining high culinary standards. This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of dining, focusing on personal and professional growth for your team. With a commitment to excellence and a supportive work environment, you'll play a crucial role in creating memorable dining moments. Enjoy a range of benefits, including a generous bonus scheme and family-friendly policies, making this an exciting opportunity to advance your culinary career.

Benefits

Bonus scheme – up to £8,000 a year

Access to earnings before payday

Private medical insurance

Free food on shift

50% off outside of work

Family-friendly policy

Dry-cleaned chef whites

Wagamama parties

Long service awards

Gym memberships

Qualifications

• Experience in leading kitchen teams and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Strong focus on food safety and financial management in a kitchen environment.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and coach your team to maintain high culinary standards.
• Ensure every dish meets exceptional quality and guest experience.

Skills

Emotional Intelligence

Training and Coaching

Problem Solving

Food Safety Standards

Financial Management

Education

Culinary Degree

Food Safety Certification

Tools

Kitchen Equipment

Inventory Management Systems

Job description

Client:

wagamama

Location:

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 diversity. We value personality over perfection — we call it be you, be wagamama. We are seeking a Designate Head Chef to join us on our journey to nourish both body and soul.

The Role |

As a Designate Head Chef, you will inspire your team to deliver exceptional guest experiences, maintaining high standards and expectations. You will coach and develop your team to reach their potential while driving performance and achieving excellent results.

About You |

• You prioritize creating a positive and inclusive work environment through emotional intelligence, inspiration, and effective delegation. You excel at training, coaching, and mentoring emerging leaders.
• You are committed to delivering excellence in guest experience, ensuring every dish meets exceptional standards, and empowering your team with the necessary skills and mindset.
• You have experience maintaining high food, health, and safety standards, and understanding the financial aspects of running a kitchen, including gross profit, stock control, and labor costs.
• You focus on building and nurturing your team, from recruitment to ongoing development, fostering personal and professional growth.
• You care about creating an inclusive environment where your team feels respected and valued.
• You are a proactive problem solver, capable of quick decision-making.

We’d Love to Hear From You

Benefits |

• Bonus scheme – up to £8,000 a year
• 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 of 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 experience 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 programme

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.

Please note: If you are not a passport holder for the country where the vacancy is located, you may need a work permit. For more information, please check our Blog.

Bank or payment details should not be provided when applying. All applications should be made via the 'Apply now' button.

Created on 08/05/2025 by JR, United Kingdom