junior sous chef

wagamama ltd; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Biweekly pay & tips

50% off for friends and family

Free meals on shift

Early access to earned pay (wagestream

Maternity/Paternity leave: 26 weeks /

Job summary

wagamama is seeking a junior sous chef to join our full-time team. You will support leading shifts and the kitchen team, ensuring every dish is prepared to our high standards and that the kitchen runs smoothly.

You will focus on food quality, safety, and cost awareness, while coaching colleagues and growing as a chef within a vibrant, fast-paced environment. Join us to contribute to a culture that celebrates teamwork and excellence.

Qualifications

• Experience in leading kitchen shifts and guiding a team.
• Knowledge of food safety standards and compliance.
• Understanding of gross profit, stock control and labour cost.

Responsibilities

• Run the kitchen line and plan shifts to ensure proper cover.
• Maintain high food quality and keep kitchen vibes elevated.
• Support and coach the team to feel seen and proud of their work.
• Foster growth within the team and pursue continuous improvement (kaizen).
• Collaborate with management to ensure smooth operations across services.

Skills

Team leadership

Food quality

Health & safety

Cost awareness

Job description

junior sous chef | full time

at wagamama, food is life. our kitchens are all about fresh food, prioritising good ingredients and serving dishes that are made to order every time. as a junior sous chef, you’ll support leading the shifts, and the kitchen team while making sure every bowl is something to be proud of

what you’ll be doing

• working closely with the rest of the management team to run a vibrant and high-performing kitchen

• making sure food quality and kitchen vibes stay sky-high

• helping your team feel seen, supported, and proud of what they do

• nurturing your team to grow, not just hit targets

• thinking with a kaizen mindset - constantly spotting the little ways we can do things better, then making them happen

you’ll love this role if you...

• are passionate about supporting your team and helping others be the best they can be and maintaining high standards

• are ready to manage the line, planning shifts to make sure we have the right cover, and love working with the team and coaching on the go

• understand your kitchen’s food, health and safety standards, with comprehension of the financial performance of a kitchen including gross profit, stock control and labour cost

• love to celebrate success with your team, recognising what drives individuals and their needs

what you’ll get

• a culture that backs your growth, wellbeing and individuality

• biweekly pay and a share of tips

• 50% off for friends and family

• free meals on shift

• early access to earned pay with wagestream

• 26 weeks full pay and 13 weeks half pay for new parents

• 30% off at other TRG brands (brunning & price pubs, barburrito + more)

in addition to this, we offer the usual benefits such as pension scheme, holiday, training, cycle to work scheme, retail and leisure discounts, discounted gym memberships and long service awards

we’re proud to be a disability confident employer. no matter where you’re from or who you are, you’ve got a seat at our bench