At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen, creating delicious dishes and coaching your team to success.
- Company: Join Wagamama, where food is life and creativity thrives.
- Benefits: Earn up to £56,000 with bonuses, private medical cover, and a monthly food allowance.
- Other info: Enjoy 50% off meals, free chef whites, and access to exclusive menu previews.
- Why this job: Be part of a vibrant culture that values growth, connection, and bold flavours.
- Qualifications: Passion for food, leadership skills, and a desire to learn in a fast-paced environment.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 56000 £ per year.
Full time OTE £56,000 a year. £48,000 base, plus up to £8,000 bonus. You’ll also get private medical cover and a £200 monthly Wagamama allowance to enjoy great food outside of work with friends and family.
At Wagamama, food is life. Fresh food, fast paced energy, real people making real food. No microwaves, no shortcuts. Just big energy and bold flavour.
We’re looking for a designate head chef ready to turn up the heat. Someone on the rise who leads from the front, keeps their cool under pressure and runs the kitchen like it’s their own. Smashing service, backing the team and making every bowl one to be proud of.
You’ll work across a few nearby kitchens, stepping in where you’re needed most. Learning each team, finding your rhythm in different spaces and growing into full head chef leadership with a real feel for how everything comes together across our restaurants.
What you’ll be doing:
- Creating a place where your team feels safe, seen, and proud to show up.
- Keeping quality sky-high. Every bowl, every time.
- Coaching your team to grow in confidence and skills.
- Staying cool under pressure and being fast on your feet.
- Making your kitchen a place where people want to work and guests can taste the pride.
- 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 ready to learn, lead + level up.
- Thrive in a fresh kitchen with no microwaves.
- Take real pride in your food and your team.
- Want to push for better. From prep to bowl.
- Believe kitchens should be places of connection, creativity + good vibes.
What you’ll get:
- A culture that supports your growth, wellbeing + individuality.
- Up to £8,000 annual bonus.
- £200 a month to spend at Wagamama outside of work.
- Private medical insurance.
- 50% off Wagamama outside of work.
- Free meals on shift.
- Fresh dry-cleaned chef whites, every shift.
- Early access to earned pay with Wagestream.
- 26 weeks full pay + 13 weeks half pay for new parents.
- First access to our new menus.
- 30% off at our other brands (Brunning & Price pubs, Barburrito + more).
In addition to this, we offer benefits such as: pension scheme, holiday, training, cycle to work scheme, retail + leisure discounts, discounted gym memberships + 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.
designate head chef employer: wagamama ltd
Wagamama is an exceptional employer for those looking to thrive in a vibrant kitchen environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, wellbeing, and individuality, we offer competitive benefits including a generous bonus structure, private medical cover, and a monthly allowance to enjoy our delicious food outside of work. Join us in creating a culture where every team member feels valued and inspired to push for excellence in every bowl served.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land designate head chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Wagamama's vibe on social media or their website. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their fresh kitchen environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills under pressure! Set up a mini challenge at home where you whip up dishes quickly. This will not only boost your confidence but also prepare you for the fast-paced energy of the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership style! During interviews, share examples of how you've coached your team in the past. Highlighting your ability to create a supportive and proud kitchen environment will resonate well with Wagamama's values.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to turn up the heat in the kitchen!
We think you need these skills to ace designate head chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Talk about your experiences in the kitchen and how you connect with the vibrant energy of cooking. We want to see that you’re not just a chef, but someone who lives and breathes food.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a designate head chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've coached others, kept morale high, and created a positive kitchen environment. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and uplift their team!
Be Authentic and Personal:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We value real people making real food, so share your unique story and what makes you stand out as a chef. This is your chance to show us who you are beyond just your culinary skills.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance at joining our team. It’s super easy, and you’ll get to see all the details about the role and our culture. Plus, we love seeing applications that come straight from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at wagamama ltd
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your culinary knowledge and be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and cooking techniques. This role is all about fresh food and bold flavours, so show them you’re passionate about what goes into every bowl.
✨Show Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to talk about how you lead a kitchen team. Share examples of how you've coached others, kept morale high, and maintained quality under pressure. They want to see that you can run the kitchen like it’s your own and inspire your team.
✨Embrace the Kaizen Mindset
Familiarise yourself with the concept of continuous improvement. Think of specific instances where you’ve spotted inefficiencies in a kitchen and made changes for the better. This shows you’re proactive and always looking to elevate the dining experience.
✨Connect with Their Culture
Wagamama values connection, creativity, and good vibes. During the interview, express how you align with these values and how you plan to create a positive environment in the kitchen. Share your vision for making the kitchen a place where everyone feels proud to work.
