Kitchen Operations Director (Hiring Immediately)

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

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Kitchen Operations Director, where you'll lead a passionate team in delivering exceptional dining experiences. This role emphasizes cultivating a positive work culture, ensuring high food safety standards, and fostering personal growth among team members. Enjoy a competitive bonus scheme, private medical insurance, and generous discounts on meals. If you're a dynamic leader dedicated to excellence and inclusivity, this is your chance to shine in a vibrant environment.

Benefits

Bonus scheme up to £8,000

Access to earnings before payday

Private medical insurance

Free food on shift

50% off meals outside of work

Family-friendly policy

Dry-cleaned chef whites

Wagamama parties

National recognition program

Pension schemes

Qualifications

• Experience in maintaining high food and safety standards.
• Strong skills in training and mentoring team members.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and develop your team to exceed guest expectations.
• Maintain high standards of food quality and safety.

Skills

Emotional Intelligence

Team Leadership

Food Safety Standards

Financial Metrics Understanding

Problem Solving

Job description

Job Title: Kitchen Operations Director (Hiring Immediately), Southampton

Client: Wagamama

Location: Southampton, 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

At Wagamama, with over 165 restaurants, we celebrate differences and value personality over perfection — we call it be you, be wagamama. We are looking for a Head Manager to join us on our journey to nourish from bowl to soul.

The Role:

As a Head Chef, you'll inspire your team to exceed guest expectations, maintaining high standards. You will coach and develop your team to reach their potential, driving performance and achieving excellent results.

We'd Love to Hear from You If You:

• Prioritize cultivating a positive and inclusive work culture through emotional intelligence, inspiration, and effective delegation. You excel at training, coaching, and mentoring emerging leaders.
• Are dedicated to delivering an exceptional guest experience, ensuring every dish meets high standards and your team is well-equipped and motivated.
• Have experience maintaining impeccable food, health, and safety standards, understanding financial metrics like gross profit, stock control, and labor costs, and proactively identifying opportunities.
• Focus on building and nurturing your team, from recruitment to ongoing development, fostering personal and professional growth.
• Care about creating an inclusive environment where your team feels respected and valued, enabling them to thrive in their roles and careers.
• Are a forward-thinking problem solver, capable of quick decision-making and thinking on your feet.

What’s in it for You:

• Bonus scheme — up to £8,000 a year bonus opportunity
• Access up to 30% of your earnings before payday with Wagestream
• Private medical insurance
• Free food on shift — anything from our menu! Plus 50% off outside of work to treat friends and family
• Industry-leading family-friendly policy: 26 weeks full pay + 13 weeks half pay for expectant or adopting parents
• Be the first to experience our new menus
• Dry-cleaned chef whites provided every shift
• Wagamama parties with VIP guests throughout the year
• National recognition through our 'Wok Star' program

We also offer pension schemes, holiday, training, cycle-to-work schemes, retail and leisure discounts, gym memberships, and long service awards.

Be You, Be Wagamama

Wagamama is proudly part of the Disability Confident scheme.