Head Culinary Development Chef (Hiring Immediately)

JR United Kingdom; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Sous Chef to lead a vibrant kitchen team in Cheltenham. This role emphasizes fostering a positive work environment while ensuring exceptional guest experiences through high standards in food preparation and safety. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership qualities, excellent communication skills, and a passion for nurturing talent. With a focus on personal and professional growth, this position offers exciting opportunities for those looking to make a significant impact in a dynamic culinary setting. Join a team that values individuality and celebrates diversity, making every day a rewarding experience.

Benefits

Bonus scheme

Access to earnings before payday

Share of tips

Free food on shift

50% off outside work

Family-friendly policies

Early access to new menus

Dry-cleaned chef whites

Wagamama parties

National recognition as a Wok Star

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills to support team dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Create a positive environment for team and guests, driving performance.
• Maintain high standards in dish preparation and team skills.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Food Safety Standards

Financial Management

Job description

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Head Culinary Development Chef (Hiring Immediately), Cheltenham

Client: Wagamama

Location: Cheltenham

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Views:

4

Posted:

08.05.2025

Expiry Date:

22.06.2025

Job Description:

Senior Sous Chef | Full Time

At Wagamama, with over 165 restaurants, we celebrate individuality and diversity, valuing personality over perfection — we call it be you, be Wagamama. We are looking for a Senior Sous Chef to join us on our journey to nourish from bowl to soul.

The role:

As a Senior Sous Chef, you will be an inspirational leader, creating a positive environment for your team and guests. You will support ongoing coaching and development of your team to excel, while driving restaurant performance and delivering excellent results.

What you will do:

• Foster a positive environment where your team feels cared for and listened to, celebrating successes, nurturing talent, and role modeling a coaching culture.
• Ensure an exceptional guest experience by maintaining high standards in dish preparation and team skills and mindset.
• Maintain spotless food, health, and safety standards, and understand financial aspects such as gross profit, stock control, and labor costs, proactively spotting opportunities.
• Build a coaching culture within your team, working with the Head Chef on recruitment and ongoing development, fostering personal and professional growth.
• Be a forward-thinking problem solver, making quick decisions on your feet.

What we look for:

• Experience leading a kitchen team as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef, driving performance in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills with genuine conversations that ensure your team feels supported.
• Experience maintaining high standards in food, health, and safety.
• Understanding of kitchen financials, including gross profit and stock control.
• Ability to manage labor costs and adapt to changing demands.
• Leadership qualities that inspire and engage your team, helping them flourish.
• Passion for creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued.
• Problem-solving skills with the ability to think quickly and effectively.

What’s in it for you:

• Bonus scheme – up to £3,000 annually
• Access up to 30% of earnings before payday with Wagestream
• Share of tips (tips go 100% to teams, vary by restaurant, discretionary)
• Free food on shift and 50% off outside work
• Industry-leading family-friendly policies (26 weeks full pay + 13 weeks half pay for expectant or adopting parents)
• Early access to new menus
• Dry-cleaned chef whites provided
• Wagamama parties with VIP guests
• National recognition as a Wok Star

Additional benefits include pension, holiday, training, cycle-to-work scheme, discounts, gym memberships, and long service awards.

Be you, be Wagamama

Wagamama is proudly part of the Disability Confident scheme.

*100% of tips go to our teams. Tips vary by restaurant and are at guests' discretion. Tips are not considered wages and are not guaranteed.