Head Culinary Strategist (Hiring Immediately)

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

Job summary

A leading restaurant is seeking a Senior Sous Chef in Reading, UK. This role involves leading a kitchen team, ensuring high food quality, and fostering a positive work environment. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership and communication skills, with a commitment to safety and financial management.

Benefits

Bonus scheme – up to £3,000 annually

Access up to 30% of earnings before payday

Free food on shift and 50% off outside of work

Paid parental leave

Gym memberships

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Create a positive environment for team and guests.
• Maintain high standards of food quality and safety.
• Build a coaching culture within your team.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

Financial Acumen

Job description

Head Culinary Strategist (Hiring Immediately), Reading

Client: Wagamama

Location: Reading, 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 committed to nourishing both body and soul. We are seeking a Senior Sous Chef to join our team on a journey of continuous growth and excellence.

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 achieve their best, while driving restaurant performance and delivering exceptional results.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create a positive, caring environment where your team feels valued and supported, promoting a culture of coaching and development.
• Ensure an outstanding guest experience by maintaining high standards of food quality and safety, and empowering your team with necessary skills and mindset.
• Maintain impeccable food, health, and safety standards, and understand the financial aspects of the kitchen, including gross profit, stock control, and labor costs.
• Build a coaching culture within your team, working closely with your Head Chef on recruitment and ongoing development, fostering personal and professional growth.
• Be a proactive problem solver, capable of making quick, effective decisions.

What We Look For:

• Experience leading a kitchen team as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to have meaningful, considerate conversations with your team.
• Proven ability to uphold food, health, and safety standards.
• Financial acumen regarding kitchen performance, including gross profit and stock management.
• Experience managing labor costs and adapting to changing demands.
• Leadership qualities that inspire and engage your team to flourish.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive, respectful environment where everyone belongs.
• Forward-thinking problem-solving skills.

Benefits:

• Bonus scheme – up to £3,000 annually
• Access up to 30% of earnings before payday with Wagestream
• Share of tips (tips are at guest discretion and vary by restaurant)
• Free food on shift and 50% off outside of work
• Industry-leading family-friendly policies, including paid parental leave
• 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, 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.

*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.