Kitchen Operations Manager (Hiring Immediately)

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

Job summary

Join a vibrant and inclusive team as a Head Chef at a renowned restaurant chain, where your leadership will inspire excellence and creativity in the kitchen. You'll have the opportunity to develop your team, ensuring every dish meets the highest standards while fostering a positive work environment. With a strong emphasis on personal and professional growth, this role offers a chance to make a real impact in a forward-thinking culinary space. Enjoy competitive benefits, including an attractive bonus scheme and a supportive family-friendly policy, making this an exciting opportunity for passionate culinary leaders.

Benefits

Bonus scheme

Private medical insurance

Free food on shift

50% off food for friends and family

26 weeks full pay for new parents

Dry-cleaned chef whites

Wagamama parties

Pension scheme

Gym memberships

Retail and leisure discounts

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a leadership role within a kitchen environment.
• Strong understanding of food safety and hygiene regulations.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and lead the kitchen team to exceed guest expectations.
• Maintain high standards of food quality and safety.

Skills

Team Leadership

Coaching and Mentoring

Food Safety Standards

Financial Performance Management

Problem Solving

Job description

Job Description:

Head Chef | Full Time

At Wagamama, we celebrate diversity and individuality. With over 165 restaurants, we are seeking a Head Chef to join us on our journey to nourish from bowl to soul.

The Role:

As a Head Chef, you will inspire your team to exceed guest expectations, maintaining high standards. You will coach and develop your team, drive performance, and deliver exceptional results.

You Are:

• Committed to fostering a positive, inclusive work culture through emotional intelligence, inspiration, and effective delegation. You excel in training, coaching, and mentoring emerging leaders.
• Dedicated to delivering excellent guest experiences, ensuring every dish meets high standards, and equipping your team with necessary skills and mindset.
• Experienced in maintaining food, health, and safety standards, understanding financial performance including gross profit, stock control, and labour costs, and proactively identifying opportunities.
• Focused on building and nurturing your team from recruitment to ongoing development, fostering personal and professional growth.
• Passionate about creating an inclusive environment where team members feel respected and valued, enabling them to thrive in their roles and careers.
• 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 annual bonus
• Access up to 30% of earnings before payday with Wagestream
• Private medical insurance
• Free food on shift from our menu, plus 50% off outside work for 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 each shift
• Wagamama parties with VIP guests throughout the year
• Nationwide recognition through our Wok Star programme

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.