Lead Culinary Innovator (Hiring Immediately)

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

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Senior Sous Chef to lead a talented kitchen team in Maidstone. This role involves fostering a supportive environment, driving performance, and ensuring high standards in food preparation and safety. With a commitment to inclusivity and personal growth, you'll play a key role in delivering exceptional guest experiences while managing kitchen financials. Join a vibrant team where your leadership skills will shine, and enjoy a range of benefits including a bonus scheme, free meals, and industry-leading family-friendly policies.

Benefits

Bonus scheme

Access to earnings before payday

Share of tips

Free food on shift

50% off outside work

Family-friendly policies

Dry-cleaned chef whites

Wagamama parties

National recognition as a Wok Star

Pension and holiday benefits

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills and ability to support the team.

Responsibilities

• Foster a positive environment for your team and guests.
• Maintain high standards in dish preparation and team skills.

Skills

Kitchen Leadership

Food Safety Standards

Communication Skills

Problem Solving

Financial Management

Job description

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Lead Culinary Innovator (Hiring Immediately), Maidstone

Client: Wagamama

Location: Maidstone, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

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 are seeking a Senior Sous Chef to join us in our mission to nourish from bowl to 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 to achieve excellence, while driving restaurant performance and delivering outstanding results.

If you |

• Focus on creating a caring and supportive environment, nurturing talent, and role-modeling a coaching culture.
• Are dedicated to providing an exceptional guest experience, ensuring high standards in dish preparation and team skills.
• Maintain impeccable food, health, and safety standards, and understand kitchen financials including gross profit, stock control, and labour costs.
• Build a coaching culture, working closely with the Head Chef on recruitment and development, fostering personal and professional growth.
• Are a proactive problem solver, capable of quick decision-making.

What we look for |

• Experience leading a kitchen team, driving performance in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to have meaningful conversations and support your team.
• Proven experience maintaining high standards of food safety and hygiene.
• Understanding of kitchen financials, including gross profit and stock management.
• Ability to manage labour costs and adapt to changing demands.
• Leadership qualities that inspire and engage the team.
• Commitment to creating an inclusive, respectful environment.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and agility in decision-making.

Wok’s in it for you |

• Bonus scheme – up to £3,000 annually
• Access up to 30% of earnings before payday with Wagestream
• Share of tips (tips vary by restaurant, are guest discretionary, and not guaranteed)
• Free food on shift and 50% off outside work
• Industry-leading family-friendly policies, including 26 weeks full pay + 13 weeks half pay for expectant or adopting parents
• First access to new menus
• Dry-cleaned chef whites provided
• Wagamama parties and VIP guest events
• National recognition as a Wok Star

Additional benefits include pension, 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.

*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.