Head Culinary Strategist (Hiring Immediately)

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

Job summary

A leading restaurant chain in Maidstone is seeking a Senior Sous Chef to inspire and lead a kitchen team. The role involves fostering a positive environment, coaching team members, and ensuring exceptional guest experiences while maintaining high standards of food safety and financial management.

Benefits

Bonus scheme – up to £3,000 annually

Access up to 30% of earnings before payday via Wagestream

Share of tips (100% goes to the team)

Free shift meals from our menu, with 50% off outside work

Industry-leading family-friendly policy

Early access to new menus

Dry-cleaned chef whites provided

Wagamama parties and VIP guest events

National recognition program as a 'Wok Star'

Pension scheme and holiday

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen team as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef.
• Knowledge of food safety and kitchen financials.

Responsibilities

• Support in coaching and developing your team to excel.
• Drive restaurant performance and achieve excellent results.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Job description

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Head Culinary Strategist (Hiring Immediately), Maidstone

Client: Wagamama

Location: Maidstone, 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, we celebrate individuality and diversity. With over 165 restaurants, we are seeking a Senior Sous Chef to join our team and contribute to our mission to nourish from bowl to soul.

The Role:

As a Senior Sous Chef, you will be an inspiring leader, fostering 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.

What You Bring:

• Ability to create a caring and supportive environment, celebrating successes and nurturing talent.
• Commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences and maintaining high standards in food preparation.
• Knowledge of food safety, health & safety standards, and kitchen financials including gross profit, stock control, and labor costs.
• Experience in building a coaching culture, recruitment, and ongoing team development.
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to make quick decisions in a fast-paced environment.

What We Look For:

• Experience leading a kitchen team as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef.
• Strong communication skills, capable of engaging with the team with consideration and care.
• Proven ability to maintain high standards in food safety and financial management.
• Leadership qualities that inspire and engage the team, fostering an inclusive environment.
• Ability to adapt to changing demands and solve problems proactively.

Benefits:

• Bonus scheme – up to £3,000 annually
• Access up to 30% of earnings before payday via Wagestream
• Share of tips (100% goes to the team)
• Free shift meals from our menu, with 50% off outside work
• Industry-leading family-friendly policy: 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 and VIP guest events
• National recognition program as a "Wok Star"

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.

*Tips are distributed at guests' discretion, vary by restaurant, and are not considered wages or guaranteed income.