Kitchen Operations Director (Hiring Immediately)

JR United Kingdom; Luton; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Kitchen Operations Director to lead their team in Luton. This role emphasizes the importance of individuality and diversity, encouraging leaders to inspire their teams while maintaining high standards in food preparation and guest experiences. The ideal candidate will foster a positive work culture, mentor emerging leaders, and ensure compliance with food safety and health standards. With a range of perks including a generous bonus scheme and private medical insurance, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Bonus scheme – up to £8,000 a year

Private medical insurance

Free food on shift and 50% off outside work

Industry-leading family-friendly policies

Opportunity to experience new menus first

Dry-cleaned chef whites provided

Wagamama parties and VIP events

Recognition programs such as nationwide Wok Star

Pension scheme

Gym memberships

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a leadership role within the culinary industry.
• Strong understanding of food safety and health standards.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and lead a team to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
• Ensure high standards in food preparation and team skills.
• Foster a positive, inclusive work culture.

Skills

Leadership

Emotional Intelligence

Problem Solving

Team Development

Food Safety Standards

Education

Culinary Degree

Management Experience

Job description

Kitchen Operations Director (Hiring Immediately), Luton, Bedfordshire

Client:

Wagamama

Location:

Luton, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Views:

2

Posted:

08.05.2025

Expiry Date:

22.06.2025

Job Description:

Head Chef | Full Time

Wagamama, with over 165 restaurants, is looking for a Kitchen Operations Director to join our team in Luton. We celebrate individuality and diversity, focusing on personality over perfection — we call it be you, be wagamama. Join us on our journey to nourish from bowl to soul.

The Role:

As a Kitchen Operations Director, you will inspire your team to deliver exceptional guest experiences, ensuring high standards and continuous development. Your leadership will drive performance and foster a positive, inclusive work environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Cultivate a positive and inclusive work culture through emotional intelligence, inspiration, and effective delegation. Provide training, coaching, and mentorship to emerging leaders.
• Ensure excellence in guest experience by maintaining high standards in food preparation and team skills.
• Maintain spotless food, health, and safety standards, and understand financial performance including gross profit, stock control, and labour costs.
• Build and nurture your team from recruitment through ongoing development, fostering personal and professional growth.
• Create an inclusive environment where team members feel respected and valued.
• Be a proactive problem solver, able to make quick decisions on your feet.

We'd Love to Hear from You:

We are looking for passionate leaders who align with our values and are committed to excellence.

What’s in it for You:

• Bonus scheme – up to £8,000 a year
• Access up to 30% of earnings before payday with Wagestream
• Private medical insurance
• Free food on shift and 50% off outside work
• Industry-leading family-friendly policies
• Opportunity to experience new menus first
• Dry-cleaned chef whites provided
• Wagamama parties and VIP events
• Recognition programs such as nationwide Wok Star

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.

Please note: If you are not a passport holder of the country where the vacancy is located, you may need a work permit. For more information, check our Blog.

All applications should be made via the 'Apply now' button. Do not provide bank or payment details.

Created on 08/05/2025 by JR, United Kingdom