At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen, creating delicious dishes and coaching your team to success.
- Company: Join a vibrant food brand that values fresh ingredients and bold flavours.
- Benefits: Earn up to £56,000 with bonuses, private medical cover, and a monthly dining allowance.
- Other info: Enjoy excellent growth opportunities and a supportive, inclusive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative kitchen culture where your passion for food shines.
- Qualifications: Experience in kitchen leadership and a love for fresh, quality cooking.
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 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.
designate head chef in London employer: wagamama ltd
At Wagamama, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions growth, creativity, and a vibrant work culture. As a designate head chef, you'll enjoy a competitive salary with substantial bonuses, private medical cover, and a generous monthly allowance to indulge in our delicious offerings outside of work. Our commitment to your development is reflected in our supportive environment, where every team member is valued, and opportunities for advancement are abundant, making it a truly rewarding place to build your culinary career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land designate head chef in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out their social media and website. This will help you understand their vibe and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills under pressure! Set up a mini kitchen at home and challenge yourself to whip up dishes quickly. This will not only boost your confidence but also prepare you for the fast-paced environment they thrive in.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees if you can. They can give you insider tips on what it’s really like to work there and what the interviewers are looking for. Plus, it shows you’re proactive!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll be one step closer to joining a team that values creativity and good vibes in the kitchen.
We think you need these skills to ace designate head chef in London
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 create dishes that make people smile. 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 motivated your team and kept things running smoothly under pressure. We’re looking for someone who can inspire others and keep the kitchen buzzing!
Be Authentic and Personal:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We value individuality and want to know what makes you unique. Share your story, your journey in the culinary world, and what drives you to be the best chef you can be.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to get your application and for you to stay updated on the process. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at wagamama!
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 your passion for quality ingredients and how you can elevate the dining experience.
✨Show Your Leadership Style
As a designate head chef, you'll need to lead from the front. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a team in a high-pressure environment. Highlight your coaching skills and how you create a positive kitchen culture where everyone feels valued.
✨Embrace the Kaizen Mindset
Familiarise yourself with the concept of continuous improvement. Be ready to share specific instances where you've identified areas for improvement in your previous roles and how you implemented changes that benefited the team and the kitchen.
✨Connect with the Company Culture
Research the company’s values and culture, especially their focus on connection, creativity, and good vibes. During the interview, express how you align with these values and how you plan to foster a supportive and energetic environment in the kitchen.
