senior sous chef - Inclusive Leadership Culture (Hiring Immediately)

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

Job summary

An established industry player is on the lookout for a Senior Sous Chef to lead a dynamic kitchen team in a vibrant restaurant environment. This role emphasizes creating an inclusive culture while ensuring exceptional guest experiences through high standards in food preparation. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership qualities, excellent communication skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. With a commitment to nurturing talent and fostering personal growth, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a fast-paced culinary setting. Join a company that values personality over perfection and be part of a team that celebrates diversity.

Benefits

Bonus scheme – up to £3,000 annually

Access up to 30% of earnings before payday

Share of tips

Free food on shift

50% off outside work

26 weeks full pay for expectant parents

Dry-cleaned chef whites provided

Wagamama parties and VIP events

National recognition as a wok star

Pension scheme and holiday

Qualifications

• Experience leading a kitchen team as a head chef or senior sous chef.
• Strong communication skills ensuring team support.
• Experience maintaining high standards in food safety and financial management.

Responsibilities

• Foster a positive environment and celebrate team successes.
• Maintain high standards in dish preparation and guest experience.
• Manage financial aspects of the kitchen including stock control.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem Solving

Food Safety Standards

Financial Management

Education

Culinary Arts Certification

Job description

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senior sous chef - Inclusive Leadership Culture (Hiring Immediately), watford, hertfordshire

Client: wagamama

Location: watford, hertfordshire, United Kingdom

Job Category: Other

EU work permit required: Yes

Job Views: 4

Posted: 08.05.2025

Expiry Date: 22.06.2025

Job Description:

senior sous chef | full time

At wagamama, with over 165 restaurants, we celebrate difference and value personality over perfection — we call it be you, be wagamama. 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 inspirational leader, creating a positive environment for your team and guests. You will support ongoing coaching and development of your team to excel while driving restaurant performance and delivering exceptional results.

What you will do:

• Foster a positive environment where your team feels cared for and listened to, celebrating successes and nurturing talent, role-modeling a coaching culture within management.
• Ensure an excellent guest experience by maintaining high standards in dish preparation and equipping your team with necessary skills and mindset.
• Maintain impeccable food, health, and safety standards; understand the financial aspects of a kitchen, including gross profit, stock control, and labor costs, proactively spotting opportunities.
• Build a coaching culture with your head chef, focusing on recruitment, ongoing development, and fostering personal and professional growth within your team.
• Be a proactive problem solver, capable of quick decision-making in a fast-paced environment.

What we look for:

• Experience leading a kitchen team as a head chef or senior sous chef, driving performance through positive behaviors in a complex environment.
• Strong communication skills with genuine care, ensuring your team feels supported and heard.
• Experience maintaining high standards in food, health, safety, and financial management including GP and stock control.
• Ability to manage labor costs and adapt to changing demands.
• Leadership qualities that inspire and engage, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected and belonging.
• A forward-thinking problem solver who can think on their feet.

Benefits:

• Bonus scheme – up to £3,000 annually
• Access up to 30% of earnings before payday with Wagestream
• Share of tips (tips go entirely to the team, vary by restaurant, discretionary, not guaranteed)
• Free food on shift and 50% off outside work
• Industry-leading family-friendly policy: 26 weeks full pay + 13 weeks half pay for expectant or adopting parents
• Early access to new menu items
• Dry-cleaned chef whites provided
• Wagamama parties and VIP events
• National recognition as a 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 Disability Confident.

*100% tips go to our teams. Tips vary by restaurant, are at guest discretion, and are not guaranteed as wages.