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

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

Job summary

Join a dynamic and inclusive team as a Designate Head Chef at an innovative restaurant chain. You'll lead a passionate kitchen team, ensuring exceptional guest experiences while maintaining high culinary standards. This role offers the chance to cultivate a positive work culture, mentor emerging leaders, and enjoy fantastic perks like a generous bonus scheme and private medical insurance. Be part of a forward-thinking company that values individuality and supports your professional growth. If you're ready to make a difference in a vibrant culinary environment, this opportunity is for you!

Benefits

Bonus scheme up to £8,000

Access to earnings before payday

Private medical insurance

Free food on shift

50% off food outside of work

Family-friendly policies

Dry-cleaned chef whites

Recognition program

Pension schemes

Gym memberships

Qualifications

• Experience in leading kitchen teams and maintaining high standards.
• Strong focus on guest experience and food quality.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and develop your team to achieve outstanding results.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and health standards.

Skills

Emotional Intelligence

Team Leadership

Food Safety Standards

Financial Performance Management

Problem Solving

Job description

Job Title: Head Chef - Be You, Be Wagamama Culture (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:

Designate Head Chef | Full Time

At Wagamama, we celebrate individuality and personality over perfection — it's all about being you, being Wagamama. With over 165 restaurants, we are looking for 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 full potential while driving performance and achieving outstanding results.

We’re Looking For Someone Who:

• Prioritizes 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.
• Is dedicated to excellence in guest experience, ensuring every dish meets exceptional standards, whether through your own efforts or by equipping your team with necessary skills and mindset.
• Has experience maintaining impeccable food, health, and safety standards, understands financial performance including gross profit, stock control, and labor costs, and proactively spots opportunities for improvement.
• Focuses on building and nurturing your team, from recruitment to ongoing development, fostering personal and professional growth.
• Creates an inclusive environment where team members feel respected and that they belong, enabling them to flourish in their roles and careers.
• Is a forward-thinking problem solver, capable of quick decision-making and thinking on your feet.

What’s in It for You:

• 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 from our menu, plus 50% off outside of 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
• Be the first to experience 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.