Head Culinary Strategist (Hiring Immediately)

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

Job summary

A leading restaurant chain is seeking a Senior Sous Chef to inspire and lead a kitchen team in Hemel Hempstead. This role involves fostering a positive work environment, ensuring high standards in food preparation, and driving restaurant performance. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership qualities, excellent communication skills, and a passion for creating an inclusive atmosphere. Benefits include a bonus scheme, access to earnings before payday, and industry-leading family-friendly policies.

Benefits

Bonus scheme up to £3,000 annually

Access to up to 30% of earnings before payday via Wagestream

Free food on shift

50% off outside work for friends and family

Industry-leading family-friendly policies

Dry-cleaned chef whites provided

National recognition through our Wok Star program

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen team as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef.
• Proven ability to maintain high standards in food, health, and safety.

Responsibilities

• Create a positive environment for your team and guests.
• Ensure exceptional guest experience by maintaining high standards.
• Build a coaching culture within your team.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

Job description

Social network you want to login/join with:

Head Culinary Strategist (Hiring Immediately), Hemel Hempstead

Client: Wagamama

Location: Hemel Hempstead, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Views: 4

Posted: 12.05.2025

Expiry Date: 26.06.2025

Job Description:

Senior Sous Chef | Full Time

At Wagamama, with over 165 restaurants, we celebrate individuality and diversity. We value personality over perfection — we call it "be you, be Wagamama." We are seeking a Senior Sous Chef to join us in our mission to nourish both body and 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.

What You Will Do:

• Create a positive environment where your team feels cared for and listened to, celebrating successes and nurturing talent.
• Ensure an exceptional guest experience by maintaining high standards in dish preparation and team skill development.
• Maintain impeccable food, health, and safety standards; understand financial aspects such as gross profit, stock control, and labor costs, and proactively spot opportunities for improvement.
• Build a coaching culture within your team, collaborating with the Head Chef on recruitment and ongoing development, fostering personal and professional growth.
• Think quickly and solve problems proactively in a fast-paced environment.

What We Look For:

• Experience leading a kitchen team as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef, with a focus on performance and positive leadership in a complex environment.
• Strong communication skills, capable of having considerate and supportive conversations with your team.
• Proven ability to maintain high standards in food, health, and safety.
• Understanding of kitchen financials, including gross profit and stock control.
• Experience managing labor costs and adapting to changing demands.
• Leadership qualities that inspire and engage teams to thrive.
• Passion for creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued.
• Forward-thinking problem solver with the ability to make quick decisions.

Benefits:

• Bonus scheme up to £3,000 annually
• Access to up to 30% of earnings before payday via Wagestream
• Share of tips (tips go solely to the team, vary by restaurant)
• Free food on shift, 50% off outside work for friends and family
• 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 through our Wok Star program

Additional benefits include pension scheme, holiday entitlement, 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 are discretionary, vary by restaurant, and are not guaranteed wages.