Junior Sous Chef: Lead Shifts, Grow Your Kitchen Team

Wagamama; St Albans; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Biweekly pay & tips

Friends & family discount

Free meals on shift

Wagestream early access

Parental leave

Brand discounts

Pension

Holiday

Training

Cycle to work

Gym discounts

Long service awards

Job summary

wagamama is hiring a junior sous chef to support leading shifts and guide the kitchen team in delivering fresh, made-to-order dishes. You will help manage the line, plan shifts and coach the team to maintain high standards and strong team spirit.

You'll drive continuous improvement with a Kaizen mindset, ensuring food safety, cost awareness and great guest experiences while mentoring others to grow in the kitchen.

Qualifications

• Experience as a junior or sous chef in a fast‑paced kitchen.
• Strong leadership and people management to run shifts.
• Solid understanding of food safety, hygiene and kitchen standards.
• Ability to monitor food cost and labour costs and act on variances.
• Kaizen mindset with a passion for coaching and improvement.

Responsibilities

• Support leading shifts and the kitchen team to deliver dishes made to order.
• Manage the line, plan shifts, and ensure proper cover and smooth service.
• Maintain high food quality and consistently great kitchen vibes.
• Coach and develop team members on the go while maintaining standards.
• Uphold health, safety and financial performance of the kitchen.

Skills

Team leadership

Shift planning

Food safety

Cost control

Coaching

Communication

Job description

wagamama is hiring a junior sous chef to support leading shifts and guide the kitchen team in delivering fresh, made-to-order dishes. You will help manage the line, plan shifts and coach the team to maintain high standards and strong team spirit.

You'll drive continuous improvement with a Kaizen mindset, ensuring food safety, cost awareness and great guest experiences while mentoring others to grow in the kitchen.