Inspirational Culinary Lead (Hiring Immediately)

JR United Kingdom; Derby; 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 Derby. The role involves creating a positive work environment, maintaining high food safety standards, and driving restaurant performance. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, a commitment to team development, and the ability to manage kitchen operations effectively. Join us at Wagamama to nourish both body and soul while enjoying industry-leading benefits.

Benefits

Bonus scheme—up to £3,000 per year.

Access up to 30% of earnings before payday with Wagestream.

Share of tips.

Free food on shift.

50% off outside work.

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

Early access to new menus.

Dry-cleaned chef whites provided.

Recognition programs such as 'Wok Star'.

Pension scheme and holiday benefits.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Create a positive environment and nurture talent.
• Ensure high standards in food preparation and guest experience.
• Maintain health and safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Job description

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Inspirational Culinary Lead (Hiring Immediately), Derby

Client: Wagamama

Location: Derby, 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 differences and value personality over perfection—it's about being you, being Wagamama. We are seeking a Senior Sous Chef to join us on our journey to nourish both the body and 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 continuous coaching and development of your team to excel while driving restaurant performance and achieving 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 food preparation and equipping your team with necessary skills.
• Maintain spotless food, health, and safety standards and understand the financial aspects of a kitchen, including gross profit, stock control, and labor costs.
• Build a coaching culture within your team, working with the Head Chef on recruitment and ongoing development, fostering personal and professional growth.
• Be 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 genuine care, ensuring your team feels supported.
• Proven ability to maintain high standards in food, safety, and financial performance.
• Experience managing labor costs and reacting to changing demands.
• Leadership qualities that inspire and engage your team to flourish.
• A commitment to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and belonged.
• Problem-solving skills with the ability to think on your feet.

Benefits:

• Bonus scheme—up to £3,000 per year.
• Access up to 30% of earnings before payday with Wagestream.
• Share of tips (tips go directly to the team, varying by restaurant).
• Free food on shift from our menu, plus 50% off outside work.
• Industry-leading family-friendly policies, including 26 weeks full pay + 13 weeks half pay for expectant or adopting parents.
• Early access to new menus.
• Dry-cleaned chef whites provided each shift.
• Wagamama parties and VIP guest events.
• Recognition programs such as "Wok Star" nationwide.

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.

*All tips are paid directly to our teams; amounts vary by restaurant and are at guests' discretion. Tips are not considered wages and are not guaranteed.