sous chef

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

Benefits offered by this job

Up to £1,000 annual bonus

Biweekly pay and tips

50% off for friends and family

Free meals on shift

Early access to earned pay (wagestream

26 weeks full pay / 13 weeks half pay–

30% off at TRG brands

Job summary

wagamama is seeking a sous chef to support leading shifts and the kitchen team. You will ensure every dish is made to order with freshness and bold flavours, while mentoring the team and driving continuous improvement.

You’ll be involved in managing line timing, food safety standards, and cost performance, with opportunities to grow and lead in a vibrant, high-energy kitchen.

Qualifications

• Experience in running a busy kitchen with strong leadership and team development.
• Ability to manage shifts, plan coverage and coach on the go.
• Knowledge of food, health & safety standards and cost controls (GP, stock, labour).
• Proven track record in recognising and rewarding team performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead shifts and manage the kitchen team to ensure consistency and quality.
• Ensure all dishes are prepared to order with fresh ingredients.
• Coach and develop junior staff, fostering pride and engagement.
• Monitor food safety, stock levels and cost performance.
• Implement kaizen ideas to improve kitchen processes and efficiency.

Skills

Leadership

Shift management

Team development

Health & safety

Food cost awareness

Kaizen mindset

Job description

sous chef | full time

at wagamama, food is life. our kitchens are all about fresh food, prioritising good ingredients and serving dishes that are made to order every time. no microwaves, no shortcuts, just big energy and bigger flavours. as a sous chef, you’ll support leading the shifts and the kitchen team while making sure every bowl is something to be proud of

what you’ll be doing

• working closely with the rest of the management team to run a vibrant and high-performing kitchen
• leading the kitchen with pride, making sure every dish is fresh, bold and full of flavour
• helping your team feel seen, supported, and proud of what they do
• nurturing your team to grow, not just hit targets
• thinking with a kaizen mindset - constantly spotting the little ways we can do things better, then making them happen

you’ll love this role if you...

• are passionate about supporting your team, focusing on training and developing others to help them be the best they can be and maintaining high standards
• are experienced in managing the line, planning shifts to make sure we have the right cover and love working with the team, coaching on the go
• have experience in supporting with your kitchen’s food, health and safety standards, understanding financial performance of a kitchen including gross profit, stock control and labour costs
• love to celebrate success with your team, recognising what drives individuals and their needs

what you’ll get

• a culture that backs your growth, wellbeing + individuality
• up to £1,000 annual bonus
• biweekly pay and a share of tips
• 50% off for friends and family
• free meals on shift
• early access to earned pay with wagestream
• 26 weeks full pay and 13 weeks half pay for new parents
• 30% off at other TRG brands (brunning & price pubs, barburrito and more)

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

we’re proud to be a disability confident employer. no matter where you’re from or who you are, you’ve got a seat at our bench