Kaizen-Driven Executive Chef | Lead Culinary Team

Wagamama

Tampa (FL)

On-site

USD 90,000 - 140,000

Full time

10 days ago

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Job summary

wagamama in Tampa, FL is seeking an Executive Chef to lead all back-of-house operations, drive culinary excellence, and partner with restaurant leadership to deliver an outstanding guest experience. You will develop future leaders, manage labor costs and inventory, ensure food safety and HACCP compliance, and foster a positive, high-performance kitchen culture that reflects wagamama's kaizen philosophy.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in culinary leadership, a strong financial acumen, and a

Qualifications

5+ years of progressive culinary leadership in high-volume restaurants.
Experience managing labor, food cost, inventory and kitchen performance.
Proven success coaching and developing high-performing teams.
Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation and HACCP.
Thrives in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

Lead all back-of-house operations, ensuring quality and execution.
Recruit, coach, and develop culinary leadership and kitchen staff.
Drive labor, food cost, inventory, and performance to goals.
Champion food safety, sanitation, HACCP compliance.
Oversee kitchen scheduling, purchasing, and vendor partnerships; collaborate with FOH for guest experience.
Foster kaizen mindset and continuous improvement in the kitchen.
Build a positive, inclusive culture and develop future culinary leaders.