Lead Culinary Innovator (Hiring Immediately)

JR United Kingdom; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Sous Chef to lead a dynamic kitchen team in a vibrant restaurant environment. This role emphasizes individuality and diversity, encouraging you to foster a caring and supportive atmosphere while ensuring exceptional guest experiences. You'll be responsible for maintaining high food safety standards, managing financial performance, and nurturing talent within your team. With exciting benefits, including a bonus scheme and industry-leading family-friendly policies, this opportunity is perfect for those passionate about culinary excellence and team leadership.

Benefits

Bonus scheme up to £3,000

Access to earnings before payday

Free food on shift

50% off food outside work

Family-friendly policies

Dry-cleaned chef whites

Wagamama parties and VIP events

Recognition programs

Pension scheme

Gym memberships

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen team in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to maintain high food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Create a supportive environment for your team and guests.
• Ensure high standards in food preparation and safety.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Food Safety Standards

Problem Solving

Financial Management

Job description

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Lead Culinary Innovator (Hiring Immediately), Chelmsford

Client:

Wagamama

Location:

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Views:

3

Posted:

08.05.2025

Expiry Date:

22.06.2025

Job Description:

Senior Sous Chef | Full Time

At Wagamama, we celebrate individuality and diversity. With over 165 restaurants, we focus on personality over perfection — we call it "be you, be wagamama." We are seeking a Senior Sous Chef to join our team and contribute to nourishing both body and soul.

The Role |

As a Senior Sous Chef, you will be an inspirational leader, fostering a positive environment for your team and guests. You will support continuous coaching and development of your team to reach their potential, while driving restaurant performance and achieving excellent results.

What You Will Do |

• Create a caring and supportive environment where your team feels valued and appreciated, celebrating successes and nurturing talent.
• Ensure an exceptional guest experience by maintaining high standards in food preparation and team skills.
• Maintain spotless food, health, and safety standards; understand financial aspects such as gross profit, stock control, and labor costs.
• Foster a coaching culture, working with the Head Chef on recruitment and ongoing development, and promote personal and professional growth within your team.
• Be a proactive problem solver, capable of quick decision-making and thinking on your feet.

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 a caring approach, ensuring your team feels supported.
• Proven experience in maintaining high standards of food safety, health, and safety.
• Understanding of financial performance, including gross profit and stock control.
• Ability to manage labor costs and adapt to changing demands.
• Leadership qualities that inspire and engage your team.
• A commitment to creating an inclusive and respectful environment.
• Effective problem-solving skills and quick decision-making abilities.

Benefits |

• Bonus scheme — up to £3,000 annually.
• Access up to 30% of earnings before payday with Wagestream.
• Share of tips (tips are at guest discretion and vary by restaurant).
• Free food on shift, plus 50% off outside work to share with friends and family.
• Industry-leading family-friendly policies, including 26 weeks full pay + 13 weeks half pay for expectant or adopting parents.
• Early access to new menus.
• Dry-cleaned chef whites provided each shift.
• Wagamama parties and VIP events throughout the year.
• Recognition programs such as "Wok Star."

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.

*Please note: 100% of tips go directly to our teams. Tips vary by restaurant and are at guest discretion. Tips are not considered wages and are not guaranteed.