Kitchen Operations Leader (Hiring Immediately)

JR United Kingdom; Norwich; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Head Chef to lead a vibrant kitchen team. In this full-time role, you will inspire your team to deliver exceptional dining experiences while maintaining high culinary standards. You'll foster a positive and inclusive work culture, ensuring every team member feels valued and empowered. With a focus on mentorship and personal growth, you'll drive performance and achieve excellent results. Join a company that celebrates individuality and diversity, offering a range of attractive perks, including a generous bonus scheme and a commitment to family-friendly policies.

Benefits

Bonus scheme — up to £8,000 a year

Access to earnings before payday

Private medical insurance

Free food on shift

50% off outside of work

Family-friendly policy

Dry-cleaned chef whites

Wagamama parties

Pension schemes

Gym memberships

Qualifications

• Experience in maintaining high food and safety standards.
• Strong leadership skills with a focus on team development.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and coach your team to exceed guest expectations.
• Ensure every dish meets high standards through your leadership.

Skills

Emotional Intelligence

Leadership

Food Safety Standards

Financial Management

Team Development

Problem Solving

Job description

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Client:

wagamama

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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

At Wagamama, with over 165 restaurants, we celebrate individuality and diversity. We value personality over perfection — we call it be you, be wagamama. We are looking for a Head Chef to join us on our journey to nourish both body and soul.

The Role |

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

About You |

• You prioritize creating a positive and inclusive work culture through emotional intelligence, inspiration, and effective delegation. You excel at influencing and empowering emerging leaders through training, coaching, and mentorship.
• You are dedicated to delivering exceptional guest experiences, ensuring every dish meets high standards, whether by your efforts or through your team’s skills and mindset.
• You have experience maintaining impeccable food, health, and safety standards, understanding financial aspects such as gross profit, stock control, and labor costs, and proactively spotting opportunities.
• You focus on building and nurturing your team, from recruitment to ongoing development, fostering personal and professional growth.
• You care about creating an inclusive environment where your team feels respected and valued, enabling them to flourish in their roles and careers.
• You are a forward-thinking problem solver, capable of quick decision-making and thinking on your feet.

We'd Love to Hear from You

What’s in it for You |

• Bonus scheme — up to £8,000 a year
• 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 try 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 program

Additionally, we 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 Disability Confident.