Head Culinary Manager (Hiring Immediately)

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

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Sous Chef to lead and inspire a kitchen team. This role offers the chance to foster a positive environment, drive performance, and ensure exceptional guest experiences. With a commitment to inclusivity and personal growth, you'll be at the forefront of culinary excellence. Enjoy a range of benefits including a generous bonus scheme, flexible earning options, and a supportive family-friendly policy. If you're a forward-thinking leader passionate about culinary arts, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Bonus scheme

Access to earnings before payday

Free food on shift

50% off outside work

26 weeks full pay for expectant parents

Dry-cleaned chef whites

Wagamama parties

Pension scheme

Holiday

Cycle-to-work scheme

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen team as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef.
• Strong communication skills and ability to foster a positive environment.

Responsibilities

• Create a caring environment where the team feels valued and celebrated.
• Ensure high standards in dish preparation and guest experience.
• Maintain food, health, and safety standards while managing costs.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

Food Safety Standards

Financial Performance Understanding

Job description

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Head Culinary Manager (Hiring Immediately), Basildon

Client: wagamama

Location: Basildon, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

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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. We value personality over perfection — be yourself, 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, fostering a positive environment for your team and guests. You will support continuous coaching and development of your team to achieve their best, while driving restaurant performance and delivering excellent results.

Responsibilities include:

• Creating a caring and supportive environment where your team feels valued and celebrated, nurturing talent and role modeling coaching within the management team.
• Ensuring an exceptional guest experience by maintaining high standards in dish preparation and equipping your team with necessary skills and mindset.
• Maintaining impeccable food, health, and safety standards, understanding financial aspects like gross profit, stock control, and labor costs, and proactively spotting opportunities.
• Building a coaching culture within your team, working closely with the Head Chef on recruitment and ongoing development, and fostering personal and professional growth.
• Being a proactive problem solver, capable of quick decision-making in a fast-paced environment.

What we look for:

• Experience leading a kitchen team as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef, driving performance through positive leadership in a complex environment.
• Strong communication skills with genuine conversations that support and support your team.
• Experience maintaining high standards in food safety, health, and safety.
• Understanding of financial performance, including gross profit and stock control.
• Experience managing labor costs and adapting to changing demands.
• Leadership qualities that inspire and engage your team to thrive in their roles and careers.
• A commitment to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued.
• A forward-thinking problem solver, able to think on your feet and make quick decisions.

What’s in it for you:

• Bonus scheme — up to £3,000 annually.
• Access up to 30% of your earnings before payday with wagestream.
• Share of tips (tips vary by restaurant and are at guest discretion).
• Free food on shift from our menu, with 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.
• First access to our new menus.
• Dry-cleaned chef whites provided for each shift.
• Wagamama parties with VIP guests throughout the year.
• Recognition as a nationwide wok star through our program.

Additional benefits include pension scheme, holiday, training, cycle-to-work scheme, retail and leisure 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 guest discretion. Tips are not considered wages and are not guaranteed.