At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, create amazing dishes, and inspire your team.
- Company: Wagamama, where food is life and kitchens are full of energy.
- Benefits: Up to £8,000 bonus, free meals, private medical insurance, and more.
- Other info: Dynamic culture that values individuality and supports your growth.
- Why this job: Join a creative environment and make every bowl something to be proud of.
- Qualifications: Passion for food, leadership skills, and a desire to grow.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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, and 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, and good vibes.
What you’ll get:
- A culture that supports your growth, wellbeing, and 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, Bar Burrito + more).
In addition to this, we offer benefits such as pension scheme, holiday, training, cycle to work scheme, retail + leisure discounts, discounted gym memberships and 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 Birmingham employer: wagamama
At Wagamama, we pride ourselves on creating a vibrant and inclusive work environment where our team members can thrive. As a Head Chef, you'll not only lead a passionate kitchen team but also enjoy exceptional benefits such as an annual bonus, private medical insurance, and generous discounts across our brands. Join us in a culture that values growth, creativity, and the joy of serving delicious, fresh food without shortcuts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land head chef in Birmingham
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like wagamama. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to wagamama
Don't be shy about reaching out to wagamama directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about wagamama and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at wagamama
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
