Lead Sous Chef: Elevate Dishes, Mentor Your Team

wagamama; Southampton; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus up to £1,000

Biweekly pay

Share of tips

50% off for friends and family

Free meals on shift

Earned wage access ( Wagestream )

26 weeks full pay and 13 weeks halfpay

30% off at other TRG brands

Job summary

wagamama is seeking a sous chef to lead shifts and support the kitchen team in delivering fresh, bold, made‑to‑order dishes. You’ll drive high performance, coaching staff and upholding standards with a Kaizen mindset.

You’ll manage line operations, plan shifts for proper coverage, and contribute to food safety and financial performance while supporting a collaborative, energetic kitchen culture.

Qualifications

• Experience managing the line and planning shifts for coverage.
• Experience ensuring food, health and safety standards.
• Understanding financial performance of a kitchen including gross profit, stock control and labour costs.
• Passion for developing others and training.

Responsibilities

• Run a vibrant and high-performing kitchen with the management team.
• Lead the kitchen to ensure dishes are fresh, bold and full of flavour.
• Support and develop your team to feel seen and proud.
• Nurture your team to grow and hit targets while maintaining standards.
• Adopt a Kaizen mindset to continuously improve processes.

Skills

Line management

Team coaching

Food safety

Cost control

Kaizen mindset

Job description

wagamama is seeking a sous chef to lead shifts and support the kitchen team in delivering fresh, bold, made‑to‑order dishes. You’ll drive high performance, coaching staff and upholding standards with a Kaizen mindset.

You’ll manage line operations, plan shifts for proper coverage, and contribute to food safety and financial performance while supporting a collaborative, energetic kitchen culture.