head chef - Inclusive Work Culture (Hiring Immediately)

Wagamama; Sevenoaks; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Head Chef, where individuality and diversity are celebrated. This role offers the chance to lead a passionate team, ensuring exceptional guest experiences while maintaining high food and safety standards. Enjoy a range of perks including a generous bonus scheme, food allowances, and industry-leading family-friendly policies. If you're a dynamic leader dedicated to excellence and team development, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Bonus scheme — up to £8,000 per year

Access to earnings before payday

Wagamama food allowance

Private medical insurance

Free food on shift

50% off outside of work

Family-friendly policy

Dry-cleaned chef whites

Recognition programme

Pension schemes

Qualifications

• Experience in leading kitchen teams and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
• Strong understanding of food safety and financial performance metrics.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and develop the kitchen team to maintain high standards.
• Ensure all dishes meet exceptional quality and safety standards.

Skills

Team Leadership

Emotional Intelligence

Food Safety Standards

Financial Performance Management

Problem Solving

Job description

Job Description

Head Chef | Full Time | Tunbridge Wells

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 Chef 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 and expectations. You will coach and develop your team to excel, driving performance and achieving outstanding results.

About 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.
• Dedicated to excellence in guest experience, ensuring every dish meets exceptional standards, whether through your own efforts or by empowering your team with the necessary skills and mindset.
• Experienced in maintaining impeccable food, health, and safety standards, with a good understanding of financial performance, including gross profit, stock control, and labor costs, and proactively spotting opportunities.
• Focused on building and nurturing your team, from recruitment to ongoing development, fostering personal and professional growth.
• Committed to creating an inclusive environment where your team feels respected and valued, enabling them to thrive in their roles and careers.
• A forward-thinking problem solver, capable of quick decision-making and thinking on your feet.

We'd Love to Hear from You

What’s in it for You |

• Bonus scheme — up to £8,000 per year
• Access up to 30% of your earnings before payday with Wagestream
• Wagamama food allowance
• Private medical insurance
• Free food on shift — anything from our menu! Plus 50% off outside of work to treat 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 throughout the year with VIP guests
• Nationwide recognition as a "Wok Star" through our recognition programme

Additionally, we offer pension schemes, holiday entitlement, 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.