junior sous chef

wagamama; Walton Cardiff; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Biweekly pay + tips

40% off wagamama staff

Free meals on shift

Early access to earned pay (wagestream

Parental leave benefits

Pension scheme

Holiday entitlement

Training & development

Cycle to work

Discounts at TRG brands

Long service awards

Job summary

wagamama is seeking a junior sous chef for a full-time role in our kitchen. You will work closely with the management team to run a vibrant and high-performing kitchen and help the shift run smoothly. You’ll focus on food quality, team engagement, and coaching on the go.

You’ll champion Kaizen mindset—spot improvements and implement them, while supporting growth and development of the team. This role offers a dynamic, fast-paced environment with opportunities to lead and learn.

Qualifications

• Experience supporting a kitchen team in a fast-paced restaurant.
• Ability to manage shifts, cover staffing, and coach on the go.
• Knowledge of food safety standards and cost awareness.

Responsibilities

• Work with management to run a vibrant, high-performing kitchen.
• Ensure food quality and kitchen vibes stay sky-high.
• Support your team and help them grow.
• Nurture the team to grow, not just hit targets.
• Think kaizen: spot improvements and implement them.

Skills

Team leadership

Shift management

Food safety knowledge

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