At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team, ensuring high standards and inspiring growth.
- Company: Wagamama celebrates diversity and champions change in communities and on the planet.
- Benefits: Enjoy bonuses, private medical insurance, free food, discounts, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant culture that values personality and offers real opportunities for growth.
- Qualifications: Experience as a head chef with strong leadership and communication skills required.
- Other info: Embrace the Wagamama Way, focusing on continuous improvement and inclusivity.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
the role
as a head chef at wagamama you\’ll lead your kitchen team in the wagamama way, live + breathe our people promise, values and embody core leadership behaviours. you’ll be responsible for ensuring that every dish served by the kitchen team meets our high standards. you’ll look after the development and growth of your team through inspiring leadership, ensuring they are engaged, motivated, and high performing
our perks + quirks
- bonus scheme | up to £8,000 a year bonus opportunity
- private medical insurance + pension scheme
- dedicated 6‑week training programme
- dry‑cleaned chef whites provided every shift
- £14 – £25 of free food allowance on every shift
- 50% discount at wagamama + 30% off all other trg brands with family and friends
- internal progression opportunities | fully funded apprenticeship programmes to support your growth
- 28 days holiday
- kintsugi wellness | access to councillors, cycle to work scheme, discounted gym + leisure
- family friendly policy | any expectant person or anyone adopting a child will receive 26 weeks full pay + 13 weeks half pay
- financial wellbeing support | access to loans repaid through your salary for those ‘strapped for cash’ moments in life
what we look for
- an experienced head chef that is able to lead a kitchen team through positive behaviour + actions to drive performance in a fast paced + complex environment
- a strong communicator that has real conversations with consideration + care, ensuring your team feel heard + supported
- experienced in ensuring your kitchen’s food, health and safety standards are spotless
- experienced in understanding the financial performance of a kitchen including gross profit and stock control
- comfortable managing the labour cost of your team, reacting to changing demands where necessary
- passionate about creating an inclusive environment where your team feel respected + that they belong
- an individual who leads to inspire and engage their team to nourish + flourish in their role and career
the wagamama way
kaizen , meaning ‘good change’, is the philosophy that sits at the core of who we are. it shapes every dish we create and pushes us to find better ways in all we do. our food, how we think, how we work, it has to be fresh . committed to championing change in both our communities + the impact on the planet
three whole decades of acting different, we don’t conform, we celebrate difference. appreciating personality over perfection . welcoming everyone and their unique story to our benches. we promise to have your back. working together to build close bonds of trust + support. creating safe spaces where we can have real conversations with open hearts + open minds
all we ask is for you to dish up what makes you different
be you, be wagamama
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designate head chef employer: Wagamama
Contact Detail:
Wagamama Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land designate head chef
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Wagamama way and their core values. Understanding their philosophy of Kaizen, or 'good change', will help you align your leadership style with their expectations and demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience in leading kitchen teams in fast-paced environments. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've successfully motivated your team and maintained high standards, as this is crucial for the head chef role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your approach to financial performance, including how you've managed costs and stock control in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to contribute to the restaurant's profitability and operational efficiency.
✨Tip Number 4
Emphasise your passion for creating an inclusive work environment. Share examples of how you've fostered respect and belonging within your team, as this aligns with Wagamama's commitment to diversity and support.
We think you need these skills to ace designate head chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a head chef at Wagamama. Familiarise yourself with their values and leadership behaviours to align your application with what they are looking for.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in leading kitchen teams, maintaining high food standards, and managing costs. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to inspire and engage your team, as well as your understanding of health and safety regulations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and how your leadership style aligns with the Wagamama Way. Share your unique story and how it contributes to creating an inclusive environment in the kitchen.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in a head chef role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wagamama
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a head chef, your ability to lead and inspire your team is crucial. Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen team in the past, focusing on how you motivated them and maintained high performance.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Food Safety
Wagamama places a strong emphasis on food safety and quality. Make sure to discuss your experience with maintaining high standards in food preparation and health regulations, as well as any relevant certifications you hold.
✨Understand Financial Performance
Be ready to talk about your experience with managing costs, including gross profit and stock control. Highlight any strategies you've implemented to improve financial performance in your previous roles.
✨Embrace the Wagamama Way
Familiarise yourself with Wagamama's core philosophy of Kaizen and their commitment to inclusivity. During the interview, express how you align with these values and how you plan to create an inclusive environment for your team.