sous chef

wagamama; Street; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading restaurant chain in the United Kingdom seeks a sous chef to support kitchen management and ensure high food quality. This role involves developing junior chefs and maintaining health and safety standards in a dynamic kitchen environment. Ideal candidates are passionate about fresh food and possess strong leadership skills. Opportunities for career progression towards head chef are available. Competitive pay and numerous employee benefits offered.

Benefits

£13.80 per hour + £1000 bonus opportunity

Fully funded apprenticeship programmes

50% discount at Wagamama

Dry-cleaned chef whites provided

Dedicated 4-week training programme

Access to wellness services

Qualifications

• Experience in maintaining food, health, and safety standards.
• Knowledge of financial performance including GP and stock control.
• Passionate about creating an inclusive environment.

Responsibilities

• Support kitchen management team in operations.
• Ensure quality of food and manage inventory.
• Develop and grow junior chefs to meet standards.

Skills

Experience managing or supervising a kitchen team

Strong communicator

Knowledge of food, health, and safety standards

Leadership qualities

Passion for fresh food

Job description

As a sous chef at Wagamama, you'll support the kitchen management team to oversee all aspects of our back of house operations, embodying our people promise + values through how you show up at work. You'll be responsible for ensuring the quality of our food, managing inventory, and various kitchen operations. You will develop and grow our junior chefs, ensuring they are engaged, motivated, and meeting Wagamama standards. This role is perfect for those passionate about people, fresh food, and cooking, with experience in managing and motivating a team to meet high standards. It is also an excellent opportunity for career progression towards head chef.

Benefits include:

• £13.80 per hour + £1000 bonus opportunity per year + £34 average tips per week*
• Internal progression opportunities | Fully funded apprenticeship programmes
• £14 - £25 of free food allowance on every shift
• 50% discount at Wagamama + 30% off all other TRG brands with family and friends
• Dry-cleaned chef whites provided every shift
• Dedicated 4-week training programme
• Kintsugi wellness | access to councillors, cycle to work scheme, discounted gym + leisure
• Family friendly policy | 26 weeks full pay + 13 weeks half pay for expectant or adopting parents
• Financial wellbeing support | Access to salary-repaid loans for urgent financial needs

What we look for:

• Experience managing or supervising a kitchen team and taking ownership through positive behaviours + actions
• Strong communicator, capable of supporting your management team to ensure high standards of service
• Experience in maintaining food, health, and safety standards
• Knowledge of financial performance, including GP and stock control
• Experience managing labour and rotas
• Passionate about creating an inclusive environment where your team feels respected and belonging
• Leadership qualities that inspire and engage your team to flourish
• Passion for working with fresh food — no microwaves or heat lamps here!

The Wagamama way:

Kaizen, meaning ‘good change’, is our core philosophy. It influences everything we do — from our food to our work practices — emphasizing freshness and continuous improvement. We are committed to championing change in our communities and for the planet.

Celebrating difference for over three decades, we value personality over perfection. We welcome everyone and their unique stories, promising to support and trust each other. We aim to create safe spaces for real conversations with open hearts and minds.

All we ask is for you to bring your authentic self to the role.

Be you, be Wagamama

*100% of tips go to our teams. Tips vary by restaurant and are not guaranteed wages.