Lead Kitchen Sous Chef: Bold Flavours, Team Growth

Wagamama; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Biweekly pay with tips

Staff meals on shift

Friends & family discount

Wagestream early access

Parental leave: 26 weeks full pay, 13

Discounts at TRG brands

Job summary

wagamama is seeking a sous chef to support shifts and the kitchen team, ensuring every bowl is made to order and of high quality. You will lead with pride, coach the team, and continuously improve operations with a Kaizen mindset.

You will collaborate with management to run a high‑performing kitchen while maintaining food safety standards, monitoring costs and supporting staff growth. The role is based in the kitchen, with opportunities to influence every dish that reaches the guest.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen team and shifts.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with management to run a vibrant, high‑performing kitchen.
• Lead the kitchen with pride to ensure dishes are fresh, bold and full of flavour.
• Support and develop the team, ensuring individuals feel seen and valued.
• Nurture staff growth, focusing on training while meeting targets.
• Adopt a Kaizen mindset to identify and implement small improvements.
• Manage line, plan shifts to ensure proper coverage and coaching on the go.
• Support food safety, health and safety standards and monitor gross profit, stock and labour costs.

Skills

Line management

Shift planning

Team coaching

Food safety

Gross profit awareness

Job description

wagamama is seeking a sous chef to support shifts and the kitchen team, ensuring every bowl is made to order and of high quality. You will lead with pride, coach the team, and continuously improve operations with a Kaizen mindset.

You will collaborate with management to run a high‑performing kitchen while maintaining food safety standards, monitoring costs and supporting staff growth. The role is based in the kitchen, with opportunities to influence every dish that reaches the guest.