senior sous chef

wagamama; Ashford; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A notable restaurant chain in Ashford is seeking a Senior Sous Chef to lead a dynamic kitchen team. You’ll create a positive work environment and ensure excellent food quality while driving performance through effective coaching and talent development. Ideal candidates will have kitchen leadership experience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to safety and financial performance in a fast-paced setting. Attractive perks include a bonus scheme and free food on shift.

Benefits

Bonus scheme up to £3,000 annually

Share of tips

Free food on shift

Family-friendly policies

Dry-cleaned chef whites

Venues for company parties

Pension scheme

Discounted gym memberships

Qualifications

• Experience as a head chef or senior sous chef with kitchen leadership.
• Strong understanding of food, health, and safety standards.
• Experience managing kitchen performance and finances.

Responsibilities

• Create a positive team environment and guest experience.
• Ensure high standards in food preparation and safety.
• Drive performance through coaching and talent development.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Knowledge of food safety

Financial acumen

Job description

the role

as a senior sous chef you’ll be an inspirational leader, creating a positive environment for your team + guests. you will support in continuous coaching + developing your team to be the best they can be whilst driving your restaurant performance and deliver amazing results

if you |

• focus on creating a positive environment where your team feel cared for + listened to, celebrating successes. prioritising nurturing + developing talent within your team, role modelling a coaching culture within the management team
• are dedicated to ensuring an excellent guest experience, ensuring every dish is prepared to exceptional standards whether through your own efforts or by equipping your team with the necessary skills and mindset
• are experienced in ensuring your kitchen’s food, health and safety standards are spotless, understanding the financial performance of a kitchen including gross profit, stock control + labour costs, spotting opportunities and proactively either as a head chef or senior sous chef
• are focused on building a coaching culture within your team, working with your head chef to build a strong team from recruitment + ongoing development. committed to fostering personal + professional growth within your team
• a forward-thinking problem solver, able to think on your feet and make quick decisions

what we look for |

• a head chef or senior sous chef with experience leading a kitchen team, driving performance through positive behaviour + actions in a fast paced + complex environment
• a strong communicator that has real conversations with consideration + care, ensuring your team feel heard + supported
• experienced in ensuring your kitchen’s food, health and safety standards are spotless
• experienced in understanding the financial performance of a kitchen including gp and stock control
• experienced in managing the labour cost of your team, reacting to changing demands where necessary
• an individual who leads to inspire and engage their team to nourish + flourish in their role and career
• passionate about creating an inclusive environment where your team feel respected + that they belong
• a forward-thinking problem solver, able to think on your feet and make quick decisions

wok’s in it for you |

• bonus scheme – up to £3,000 a year bonus opportunity
• share of the tips
• free food on shift – yes anything from our menu! plus 50% outside of work to treat your friends + family
• an industry leading family friendly policy (any expectant person or anyone adopting a child will receive 26 weeks full pay + 13 weeks half pay)
• be the first to experience our brand-new menus
• dry-cleaned chef whites provided every shift
• wagamama parties throughout the year with vip guests
• be known nationwide as a wok star – our national recognition programme

in addition to this, we offer all the usual such as, pension scheme, holiday, training, cycle to work scheme, retail + leisure discounts, discounted gym memberships + long service awards

be you be wagamama