Lead Culinary Innovator (Hiring Immediately)

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

Job summary

Join a vibrant and inclusive team as a Senior Sous Chef at a renowned restaurant chain, where individuality and diversity are celebrated. This role offers the opportunity to lead a passionate kitchen team, ensuring exceptional food quality and guest experiences. You will play a crucial part in fostering a positive environment, coaching your team, and managing kitchen operations effectively. With industry-leading benefits, including a generous bonus scheme and flexible working policies, this is a chance to thrive in a dynamic culinary setting. Be part of a forward-thinking organization that values every team member's contribution.

Benefits

Bonus scheme up to £3,000 annually

Access to earnings before payday

Tips sharing

Free food on shift

50% off food outside work

Paid maternity/paternity leave

Dry-cleaned chef whites provided

Wagamama parties and VIP events

Pension scheme

Gym memberships

Qualifications

• Experience as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a fast-paced kitchen.
• Strong focus on food safety, hygiene, and kitchen financials.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a kitchen team, ensuring high standards of food quality.
• Support team development and maintain a positive work environment.

Skills

Leadership

Communication Skills

Food Safety and Hygiene

Problem Solving

Kitchen Financial Management

Job description

Lead Culinary Innovator (Hiring Immediately), Birmingham

Client: Wagamama

Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Description:

Senior Sous Chef | Full Time

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 seeking a Senior Sous Chef to join us on our journey to nourish both body and soul.

The Role

As a Senior Sous Chef, you will be an inspiring leader, fostering a positive environment for your team and guests. You will support continuous coaching and development of your team, drive restaurant performance, and deliver exceptional results.

What You Bring

• A focus on creating a positive environment where your team feels cared for and listened to, celebrating successes and nurturing talent.
• Dedication to ensuring an excellent guest experience, with every dish prepared to exceptional standards.
• Experience maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene, and understanding the financial aspects of a kitchen, including gross profit, stock control, and labour costs.
• A commitment to fostering a coaching culture within your team, working closely with the Head Chef on recruitment and development.
• A forward-thinking problem solver, capable of quick decision-making.

What We Look For

• Experience leading a kitchen team as a Head Chef or Senior Sous Chef in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to have meaningful conversations and support your team.
• Proven ability to maintain high standards of food safety and hygiene.
• Understanding of kitchen financials, including gross profit and stock management.
• Experience managing labour costs and adapting to changing demands.
• Leadership qualities that inspire and engage your team to excel.
• Passion for creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and valued.

Wagamama’s Benefits

• Bonus scheme – up to £3,000 annually
• Access up to 30% of earnings before payday with Wagestream
• Tips sharing
• Free food on shift and 50% off outside work
• Industry-leading family-friendly policies, including paid maternity/paternity leave
• Opportunity to experience new menus first
• Dry-cleaned chef whites provided
• Wagamama parties and VIP guest events
• National recognition as a Wok Star

Additional benefits include pension scheme, holiday entitlement, training, cycle-to-work scheme, retail and leisure discounts, gym memberships, and long service awards.

Be You, Be Wagamama

Wagamama is proudly part of Disability Confident.

*100% of tips go to our teams. Tips vary by restaurant and are at guests' discretion. Tips are not considered wages and are not guaranteed.