head chef - Innovative Culinary Leadership (Hiring Immediately)

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

Job summary

An innovative culinary leadership role awaits an experienced Head Chef to inspire a diverse kitchen team. In this full-time position, you will prioritize creating a positive work environment while ensuring every dish meets high standards. With a focus on coaching and developing talent, you will drive performance and deliver exceptional guest experiences. Join a vibrant team that values individuality and offers a range of exciting perks, including a generous bonus scheme, private medical insurance, and opportunities for personal growth. This is your chance to make a significant impact in a renowned culinary establishment.

Benefits

Bonus scheme up to £8,000

Access to earnings before payday

Private medical insurance

Free food on shift

50% off outside work

Family-friendly policy

Dry-cleaned chef whites

Recognition program

Pension schemes

Gym memberships

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Chef in a busy kitchen.
• Strong understanding of financial aspects like gross profit and stock control.

Responsibilities

• Motivate kitchen team to deliver high standards and exceptional guest experiences.
• Maintain food safety standards and drive performance for outstanding results.

Skills

Emotional Intelligence

Team Leadership

Coaching and Mentoring

Food Safety Standards

Problem Solving

Education

Culinary Arts Certification

Job description

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head chef - Innovative Culinary Leadership (Hiring Immediately), reading

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Client:

wagamama

Location:

reading, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

2

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 are looking for a Head Chef to lead our kitchen team and inspire excellence. We value personality over perfection — be yourself, be Wagamama.

The role |

As a Head Chef, you will motivate your team to deliver high standards, coach and develop talent, and ensure exceptional guest experiences. You will drive performance and deliver outstanding results.

If you |

• Prioritize creating a positive, inclusive work environment through emotional intelligence, inspiration, and effective delegation. You excel at training, coaching, and mentoring emerging leaders.
• Are committed to delivering excellence in guest experience, ensuring every dish meets high standards, and empowering your team with the necessary skills and mindset.
• Maintain impeccable food, health, and safety standards, understand financial aspects such as gross profit, stock control, and labour costs, and proactively identify opportunities for improvement.
• Focus on building and nurturing your team from recruitment through ongoing development, fostering personal and professional growth.
• Care about creating an inclusive environment where team members feel respected and valued, enabling them to thrive in their roles and careers.
• Are 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 a year bonus opportunity
• 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 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 try 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 leave, 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.