Kitchen Operations Leader (Hiring Immediately)

JR United Kingdom; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate head chef to lead a vibrant kitchen team. This role emphasizes the importance of cultivating an inclusive work culture while maintaining high culinary standards. You will inspire your team, ensuring every dish meets exceptional quality, while also focusing on their growth and development. With a competitive bonus scheme and various perks, this position offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment. Join a company that values individuality and fosters a supportive atmosphere for its employees.

Benefits

Bonus scheme up to £8,000

Access to earnings before payday

Private medical insurance

Free food on shift

Family-friendly policy

Dry-cleaned chef whites

Recognition programme

Pension schemes

Gym memberships

Long service awards

Qualifications

• Experience in leading kitchen teams and maintaining high standards.
• Ability to coach and mentor staff for personal and professional growth.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and develop your team to deliver excellent guest experiences.
• Ensure compliance with food, health, and safety standards.

Skills

Emotional Intelligence

Team Development

Food Safety Standards

Financial Management

Problem Solving

Job description

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Client:

wagamama

Location:

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Views:

4

Posted:

08.05.2025

Expiry Date:

22.06.2025

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Job Description:

head chef | full time | tunbridge wells

Three decades of acting differently, we don’t conform, we celebrate difference. Appreciating personality over perfection – we call it be you, be wagamama. With over 165 restaurants, 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 go the extra mile for our guests, maintaining high expectations and standards. You will coach and develop your team continuously to be their best, driving performance and delivering excellent results.

If you |

• Prioritize cultivating a positive and inclusive work culture through emotional intelligence, inspiration, and effective delegation. Your ability to influence and empower emerging leaders is key, as you provide training, coaching, and mentorship.
• Are dedicated to excellence in guest experience, ensuring every dish meets exceptional standards, whether through your efforts or by enabling your team with necessary skills and mindset.
• Have experience in maintaining food, health, and safety standards, understanding kitchen financials including gross profit, stock control, and labor costs, and proactively spotting opportunities.
• Focus on building and nurturing your team, from recruitment to ongoing development, committed to fostering personal and professional growth.
• Care about creating an inclusive environment where your team feels respected and belonging, allowing them to thrive in their roles and careers.
• Are a forward-thinking problem solver, able to think on your feet and make quick decisions.

We'd love to hear from you

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% outside of work to treat friends and family
• An industry-leading family-friendly policy (expectant or adopting persons receive 26 weeks full pay + 13 weeks half pay)
• Be the first to experience our new menus
• Dry-cleaned chef whites provided every shift
• Wagamama parties throughout the year with VIP guests
• Nationwide recognition as a wok star through our recognition programme

Additionally, we offer pension schemes, 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.