Head Culinary Strategist (Hiring Immediately)

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

Job summary

A leading restaurant chain in Portsmouth is seeking a Senior Sous Chef to inspire and lead a kitchen team. The role includes ensuring high standards in food preparation and guest experience while fostering a positive and inclusive environment. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills and a commitment to excellence. Benefits include a bonus scheme, free meals, and a family-friendly policy.

Benefits

Bonus scheme – up to £3,000 annually

Access up to 30% of earnings before payday via Wagestream

Free food on shift

50% off outside work

26 weeks full pay + 13 weeks half pay for expectant or adopting parents

Pension scheme

Training

Cycle-to-work scheme

Retail and leisure discounts

Gym memberships

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen team as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef.
• Proven track record of maintaining high standards in food, health, safety, and financial management.

Responsibilities

• Foster a positive environment for your team and guests.
• Maintain impeccable food, health, and safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

Job description

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Head Culinary Strategist (Hiring Immediately), Portsmouth, Hampshire

Client: Wagamama

Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

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EU work permit required: Yes

Job Views: 4

Posted: 12.05.2025

Expiry Date: 26.06.2025

Job Description:

Senior Sous Chef | Full Time

Celebrating individuality, we embrace diversity and value personality over perfection – we call it be you, be Wagamama. With over 165 restaurants, we are seeking a Senior Sous Chef to join us on our journey 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 ongoing coaching and development of your team to excel while driving restaurant performance and achieving excellent results.

If you |

• Focus on creating a positive environment where your team feels cared for and listened to, celebrating successes, nurturing talent, and role modeling a coaching culture.
• Are committed to delivering an exceptional guest experience, ensuring each dish meets high standards and your team is equipped with the necessary skills and mindset.
• Maintain impeccable food, health, and safety standards, and understand the financial aspects of managing a kitchen, including gross profit, stock control, and labor costs.
• Prioritize building a coaching culture, working with your Head Chef on recruitment and ongoing development, fostering personal and professional growth.
• Are a proactive problem solver, capable of quick decision-making and thinking 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 a genuine, caring approach, ensuring your team feels supported.
• Proven track record of maintaining high standards in food, health, safety, and financial management.
• Experience managing labor costs and reacting to changing demands.
• Leadership qualities that inspire and engage your team to thrive and grow.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued.
• Ability to think quickly and solve problems proactively.

What’s in it for you |

• Bonus scheme – up to £3,000 annually
• Access up to 30% of earnings before payday via Wagestream
• Tips share
• Free food on shift – anything from our menu! Plus 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
• Early access to new menus
• Dry-cleaned chef whites provided
• Wagamama parties with VIP guests
• National recognition as a wok star through our programme

Additional benefits include pension scheme, holidays, 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.

*All tips are paid directly to our teams; amounts vary by restaurant. Tips are discretionary and not considered wages, nor are they guaranteed.