sous chef

wagamama; Royal Tunbridge Wells; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus up to £1,000

Biweekly pay

Share of tips

Friends and family discount

Free meals on shift

Early access to earned pay (Wagestream

Parental leave: 26 weeks full pay / 13

Discounts at TRG brands

Job summary

wagamama is seeking a dedicated sous chef to lead shifts in our fast-paced kitchen in Royal Tunbridge Wells. You will drive fresh, bold dishes and oversee a team to ensure every bowl meets Wagamama standards.

You’ll manage line leadership, train staff, monitor food safety, and contribute to financial performance through GP and cost control, while nurturing a positive team culture.

Qualifications

• Recent experience as a sous chef or senior chef in a fast-paced kitchen.
• Strong leadership and coaching skills with a focus on training.

Responsibilities

• Lead shifts and the kitchen team to ensure high standards of quality and consistency.
• Plan and manage kitchen operations, including food preparation, stock, and GP considerations.
• Support the management team to run a vibrant, high-performing kitchen.

Skills

Team leadership

Kitchen management

Food safety

Line supervision

Cost control

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