Head Culinary Manager (Hiring Immediately)

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

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Senior Sous Chef to lead a dynamic kitchen team. This role emphasizes creating a supportive environment while ensuring exceptional guest experiences through high food safety standards and performance management. You will be responsible for coaching your team to excel, managing financial aspects, and fostering a culture of inclusivity and respect. With a generous bonus scheme and industry-leading family-friendly policies, this position offers an exciting opportunity to grow in a vibrant culinary setting.

Benefits

Bonus scheme – up to £3,000 annually

Access to earnings before payday

Share of tips

Free food on shift

50% off food outside of work

26 weeks full pay for expectant parents

Dry-cleaned chef whites

Recognition program

Pension scheme

Gym memberships

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen team as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef.
• Strong communication skills to support and engage the team.

Responsibilities

• Create a positive environment for your team and guests.
• Maintain high standards in food preparation and safety.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Food Safety Standards

Financial Management

Problem Solving

Job description

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Head Culinary Manager (Hiring Immediately), Exeter

Client: Wagamama

Location: Exeter, 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, we celebrate individuality and diversity, with over 165 restaurants. We are seeking 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 in coaching and developing your team to excel while driving restaurant performance and achieving excellent results.

Responsibilities include |

• Creating a positive environment where your team feels cared for and supported, celebrating successes, nurturing talent, and role modeling a coaching culture.
• Ensuring an exceptional guest experience by maintaining high standards in food preparation and equipping your team with necessary skills and mindset.
• Maintaining spotless food, health, and safety standards, understanding financial performance including gross profit, stock control, and labor costs, and proactively spotting opportunities.
• Building a coaching culture within your team, working with the Head Chef on recruitment and ongoing development, fostering personal and professional growth.
• Being a forward-thinking problem solver, capable of quick decision-making.

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 the ability to have meaningful conversations that ensure your team feels heard and supported.
• Proven experience in maintaining high standards of food, health, and safety.
• Understanding of financial aspects such as gross profit and stock control.
• Experience managing labor costs and adapting to changing demands.
• Leadership qualities that inspire and engage teams, fostering their growth.
• Passion for creating an inclusive environment where team members feel respected and valued.
• A forward-thinking problem solver, able to think on your feet.

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 (100% goes to teams, varying by restaurant, discretionary, not guaranteed)
• Free food on shift and 50% off outside of work
• Industry-leading family-friendly policy: 26 weeks full pay + 13 weeks half pay for expectant or adopting parents
• Opportunity to experience new menus first
• Dry-cleaned chef whites provided each shift
• Wagamama parties and VIP guest events
• Recognition as a nationwide wok star through our program

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

Be you, be Wagamama

Wagamama is proudly part of Disability Confident.

*Tips are discretionary and vary by restaurant; they are not guaranteed wages and do not constitute part of salary.