head chef - Embrace a Culture of Diversity and Individuality (Hiring Immediately)

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

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Head Chef to lead their kitchen team in Reading. This role emphasizes the importance of diversity and individuality, where you'll inspire your team to deliver exceptional guest experiences while maintaining high food and safety standards. You'll have the opportunity to cultivate a positive work culture, mentor emerging leaders, and influence the culinary direction of the restaurant. Enjoy a range of perks including a generous bonus scheme, private medical insurance, and the chance to be recognized as a wok star. If you are passionate about food and leadership, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Bonus scheme – up to £8,000 a year

Access to earnings before payday

Private medical insurance

Free food on shift

50% off for friends and family

Family-friendly policies

Dry-cleaned chef whites

Wagamama parties

Pension schemes

Gym memberships

Qualifications

• Experience in maintaining high food and safety standards.
• Ability to coach and develop team members effectively.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and lead the kitchen team to exceed guest expectations.
• Ensure every dish meets high standards and manage kitchen finances.

Skills

Emotional Intelligence

Team Leadership

Food Safety Standards

Financial Management

Problem Solving

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Head Chef - Embrace a Culture of Diversity and Individuality (Hiring Immediately)

Client: Wagamama

Location: Reading, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Views:

4

Posted:

08.05.2025

Expiry Date:

22.06.2025

Job Description:

Head Chef | Full Time

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

The Role:

As a Head Chef, you'll inspire your team to exceed guest expectations, maintaining high standards. You will coach and develop your team, driving performance and delivering exceptional results.

We'd love to hear from you if you:

• Prioritize 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.
• Are committed to delivering an excellent guest experience, ensuring every dish meets high standards, and equipping your team with the necessary skills and mindset.
• Have experience maintaining impeccable food, health, and safety standards, and understand the financial aspects of running a kitchen, including gross profit, stock control, and labor costs.
• Focus on building and nurturing your team, from recruitment to ongoing development, fostering personal and professional growth.
• Care about creating an inclusive environment where your team feels respected and valued, enabling them to flourish in their roles and careers.
• Are a forward-thinking problem solver, able to think quickly and make decisive decisions.

We'd love to hear from you

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 — anything from our menu! Plus 50% off outside of work for friends and family
• Industry-leading family-friendly policies (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
• Nationwide recognition as a wok star through our 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.