Kitchen Operations Leader (Hiring Immediately)

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

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Kitchen Operations Leader to join their team in Southampton. This exciting role involves inspiring your team to deliver exceptional guest experiences while maintaining high food and safety standards. You'll coach and develop emerging leaders, fostering a positive and inclusive work culture. With a range of attractive perks, including a substantial bonus scheme and private medical insurance, this is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking to thrive in a dynamic kitchen environment. Join a company that values personality and difference, and be part of a journey that nourishes from bowl to soul.

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

Wagamama parties

Pension schemes

Gym memberships

Long service awards

Qualifications

• Experience in leading kitchen operations and managing a team.
• Strong focus on guest experience and high food standards.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Emotional Intelligence

Coaching and Mentoring

Food Safety Standards

Financial Management

Problem Solving

Job description

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Kitchen Operations Leader (Hiring Immediately), Southampton

Client: wagamama

Location: Southampton, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

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EU work permit required: Yes

Job Views: 4

Posted: 08.05.2025

Expiry Date: 22.06.2025

Job Description:

Head Chef | Full Time | Southampton

At Wagamama, we celebrate difference and value personality over perfection. 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 exceed guest expectations, maintaining high standards. You will coach and develop your team to perform at their best, driving performance and delivering excellent results.

We'd love to hear from you if you:

• Prioritize creating a positive and inclusive work culture through emotional intelligence, inspiration, and effective delegation. You excel in training, coaching, and mentoring emerging leaders.
• Are committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences, ensuring every dish meets high standards, and equipping your team with necessary skills and mindset.
• Have experience maintaining high food, health, and safety standards, understanding financial aspects like gross profit, stock control, and labor costs, and proactively spotting opportunities.
• Focus on building and nurturing your team from recruitment through 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, able to make quick decisions and think on your feet.

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
• 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 throughout the year with VIP guests
• National recognition as a Wok Star through our programme

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 the Disability Confident scheme.