Executive Sous Chef

Wagamama; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free family meal during shifts

Dining discounts for you, your friends

Medical, dental, vision, accident, and

Job summary

Wagamama Tampa is seeking an Executive Sous Chef to lead our kitchen, partnering with the Executive Chef to drive culinary excellence and develop the team.

You'll oversee open-kitchen service, ensure high standards, manage prep and inventory, and mentor colleagues to build a positive, energetic culture committed to quality and growth.

This full-time role requires leadership, resilience under pressure, and a passion for pan-Asian cuisine; night, weekend, and holiday availability is expected.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in a fast-paced kitchen.
• Strong culinary knowledge and techniques, particularly pan-Asian cuisine.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams.
• Capable of working under pressure while maintaining quality and standards.”

Responsibilities

• Lead by example in preparing and cooking dishes to Wagamama standards.
• Oversee open-kitchen service and ensure consistency in quality and presentation.
• Manage prep, inventory, and ordering to maintain stock levels.
• Support scheduling and labor management in partnership with the Executive Chef.
• Uphold cleanliness and safety standards across the kitchen.

Skills

Leadership experience

Culinary knowledge

Team development

Under pressure

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Tampa, FL 33602

Position Type: Full Time

about wagamama

from bowl to soul isn't just how we serve food- it's how we show up for our people at wagamama, every dish we make and every shift we work is guided by one belief: we can always be better today than we were yesterday. that's kaizen in our heart we're a place where your work has purpose, your voice matters, and your growth is taken seriously. where bold ideas are welcomed, effort is noticed, and learning never stops. you won't just clock in—you'll build skills, confidence, and a career alongside people who care deeply about what they do and who they do it with if you're looking for more than a job-if you want to be part of something that feeds your future as much as it feeds our guests-this is your sign

about this role

as an executive sous chef, you are a key leader in the kitchen. you partner with the executive chef to drive culinary excellence, lead and develop the team, and ensure every dish reflects our high standards. you play a critical role in creating a positive, high-performing kitchen where both people and food thrive.

what you'll do

food execution + culinary excellence

• lead by example in preparing + cooking dishes to wagamama standards
• execute + supervise preparation of dishes across stations including wok, ramen, fry, and teppan
• ensure consistency, quality, and presentation across all dishes
• oversee service execution in an open kitchen environment
• support innovation + continuous improvement in food quality + execution

kitchen operations + station management

• oversee daily kitchen operations, ensuring smooth and efficient service
• manage prep, inventory, and ordering to maintain proper stock levels
• support scheduling + labor management in partnership with the executive chef
• ensure all equipment is used safely + maintained properly

cleanliness + kitchen standards

• uphold the highest standards of cleanliness + organization throughout the kitchen
• ensure all team members follow clean-as-you-go practices
• maintain back-of-house standards in line with wagamama expectations
• oversee opening + closing procedures to ensure consistency

food safety

• ensure full compliance with food safety, hygiene, and health regulations
• enforce proper labeling, dating, and rotation of all ingredients (FIFO)
• monitor temperature controls + safe food handling practices
• lead by example in maintaining a safe + compliant kitchen environment

leadership + development

• support onboarding and training of new hires, ensuring strong foundations
• provide ongoing feedback, recognition, and performance coaching
• create a positive, inclusive, and high-energy team culture

skills & qualifications

• proven experience in a leadership role within a fast-paced kitchen
• strong culinary knowledge and techniques in pan-asian cuisine
• ability to lead, motivate, and develop high-performing teams
• ability to work under pressure while maintaining quality and standards

physical requirements

• ability to stand and work for extended periods
• ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs
• ability to work in a fast-paced, high-temperature kitchen environment
• availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays
• ability to work up to 55 hours per week, depending on business needs

benefits

• free family meal during shifts
• dining discounts for you, your friends, and your family
• medical, dental, vision, accident, and life insurance for full-time team members
• ongoing growth opportunities and a path for career progression