At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, create delicious dishes, and inspire your team.
- Company: Wagamama, a lively restaurant known for fresh food and great vibes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, up to £8,000 bonus, free meals, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive culture with excellent perks and career development.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team where you can grow, learn, and make an impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in a fast-paced kitchen and a passion for food.
The predicted salary is between 46600 - 54600 £ per year.
Full time OTE £54,600 pa (£46,600 base salary + £8,000 bonus) based in central Epsom. Our restaurant is close to the train station and well connected by local bus routes, surrounded by shops, cafés, and plenty of energy from morning through to evening. At Wagamama, food is life. Our kitchens are all about fresh food, fast-paced, and full of real people making real food. No microwaves, no shortcuts, just big energy and bigger flavours.
As head chef, you’ll run the kitchen like it’s your own. Lead the team, smash service, and make sure every bowl is something to be proud of.
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 skill.
- 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.
head chef in Epsom employer: wagamama ltd
At Wagamama, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions growth, individuality, and well-being. As the Head Chef in our bustling Epsom location, you'll enjoy a competitive salary with substantial bonuses, comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance, and a supportive environment where your culinary creativity can thrive. Join us to lead a passionate team in a kitchen that values fresh food and fosters connection, ensuring every dish is crafted with pride and energy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land head chef in Epsom
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the restaurant vibe! Before your interview, pop by for a meal or a coffee. This way, you can chat with the team and get a feel for the energy and culture. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the crew!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your culinary skills! If you get the chance, bring a dish that represents your style. It’s a great way to demonstrate your passion for fresh food and creativity. Remember, they want someone who takes pride in their cooking!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk about teamwork! Share examples of how you’ve led a kitchen or coached your team to success. They’re looking for someone who can create a positive environment, so highlight your leadership skills and how you keep morale high.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Show your enthusiasm by asking about their menu development process or how they maintain quality. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you understand if this is the right fit for you. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace head chef in Epsom
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 culinary journey and what fresh ingredients mean to you. We want to see that you’re not just a chef, but someone who lives and breathes food.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a head chef, leading a team is key. Make sure to mention any experience you have in coaching or managing a kitchen team. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others and create a positive vibe in the kitchen!
Emphasise Your Cool Under Pressure:In a fast-paced environment like ours, staying calm is crucial. Share examples of how you've handled busy service times or tricky situations in the past. We want to know you can keep your cool while delivering top-notch dishes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our wagamama family!
How to prepare for a job interview at wagamama ltd
✨Know Your Ingredients
Before the interview, brush up on your culinary knowledge. Be ready to discuss your favourite ingredients, cooking techniques, and how you ensure quality in every dish. This shows your passion for food and your commitment to high standards.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a head chef, leading a team is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen before. Talk about how you create a positive environment and coach your team to improve their skills. This will demonstrate that you can lead with confidence and care.
✨Stay Cool Under Pressure
Expect questions about handling stress and busy service times. Think of specific instances where you’ve thrived in a fast-paced environment. Share how you keep your team motivated and focused during peak hours, as this is key to running a successful kitchen.
✨Embrace the Kaizen Mindset
Familiarise yourself with the concept of continuous improvement. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve identified areas for enhancement in previous roles. This shows that you’re proactive and always looking for ways to elevate the kitchen experience for both staff and guests.
