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- Tasks: Lead talent development strategies to inspire and grow our team at wagamama.
- Company: Join wagamama, a vibrant Asian-inspired restaurant chain with a focus on good food and good vibes.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 30% bonus, hybrid working, and a £200 monthly food allowance.
- Why this job: Shape the future of talent development in a dynamic, inclusive environment where everyone belongs.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in leading talent development strategies and a passion for equity in growth.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive culture with excellent career progression opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
london 📍 | hybrid 3 days a week | competitive salary + 30% bonus |
at wagamama, food is life 🥢 and we’re here to make every bite count. with over 165 restaurants across the UK (and growing fast) we’ve been dishing up vibrant, fresh asian inspired flavours since ‘92. it’s all about good food, good vibes, and good company 🍜🔥
were looking for a director of talent development to join us on our journey 🌱 ready to dive in and stir things up?
what we need |
as our director of talent development, you’ll be the visionary behind how we grow, stretch and inspire our people across wagamama. you’ll lead the creation of a bold, inclusive talent development strategy that fuels our culture, builds future capability and ensures every team member from noodle hq to our restaurants, has the opportunity to grow in life + work
you’ll set the direction for learning experiences that are as energising and authentic as our restaurants blending leadership development, career pathways, and performance enablement into a seamless journey of growth. you’ll shape the frameworks that define what great looks like and build the tools that help our people get there
whether it’s unlocking potential through coaching, embedding a culture of feedback, or future-proofing our leadership pipeline, you’ll make sure wagamama is a place where people don’t just do a job they build a career, feel they belong, and grow in work + in life
what you’ll do |
- talent development | translate the overall business strategy into a comprehensive long term talent strategy that addresses workforce needs and capabilities across wagamama
- succession & workforce readiness | design and embed a robust, insight-led succession planning and talent mapping framework that ensures we’re always fully resourced and ready for the future
- leadership evolution | define what great leadership looks like at wagamama and ensure our leadership development offer builds the mindset, behaviours and skills we need to thrive
- career architecture & progression | shape a clear, inclusive career framework that supports internal mobility, progression and retention across all levels and functions.
- organisational capability | partner with people, ops and strategy teams to identify future capability needs and ensure our development offer is aligned to business transformation and growth
- learning culture & innovation | champion a culture of continuous learning, curiosity and self-led growth. bring fresh thinking and innovation to how we design and deliver learning experiences
- performance & potential | evolve our approach to performance and potential, embedding a strengths-based, feedback-rich culture that supports high performance and personal growth.
- early careers & future talent | oversee our early careers strategy, ensuring we attract, develop and retain the next generation of wagamama talent.
- impact & measurement | Collaborates with the head of people business partnering to roll out talent programs consistently across wagamama
- team leadership | lead, coach and inspire a capable team of specialists, creating clarity, stretch and support while empowering them to deliver brilliant work.
- stakeholder management | partner with senior leaders, the people leadership team, and department heads to ensure talent development aligns with business needs and goals
what you’ll need |
- proven experience leading enterprise-wide a talent development strategy
- strong understanding of succession planning, workforce planning + organisational design
- inclusive mindset with a passion for equity in development
- confident communicator and influencer at exec level
- data-savvy with the ability to measure impact and shape strategy through insight
- inspiring leader who empowers others and builds high-performing teams
- experience in fast-paced, multi-site or hospitality environments preferred
- curious, creative and always looking for better
- a talented and collaborative leader, adept at engaging, motivating, and developing teams across the business
who you’ll be working with |
- CPO
- Exec team
- People + culture director
- RDs, functional heads +directors
- Head of people BP
what’s in it for you |
- competitive salary + 30% bonus potential + car allowance
- hybrid working
- come as you are culture, with modern offices, fresh fruit and soft drinks
- £200 monthly wagamama food allowance — enjoy all your favourite dishes on us!
- private healthcare
- 3% pension contribution
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- + further discounts across retail, hospitality & leisure — perks that make life sweeter
- Supporting you every step of the way! family-friendly pay: 26 weeks full pay + 13 weeks half pay for expectant or adopting parents
nothing brings people together like great food. no matter where you’re from or who you are, you’ve got a seat at our table | because food is the ultimate connector, and here everyone belongs
#J-18808-Ljbffr
director of talent development employer: Wagamama
Contact Detail:
Wagamama Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land director of talent development
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at wagamama on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the director of talent development role. Personal connections can give you insights that no job description can.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into wagamama's culture and values. Think about how your vision for talent development aligns with their mission of creating a vibrant, inclusive environment. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the company too!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully developed talent in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your enthusiasm and fit for the role. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the wagamama family!
We think you need these skills to ace director of talent development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Talent Development: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for talent development shine through! We want to see how you can inspire and grow our team at wagamama. Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the job description. Highlight your experience with succession planning and leadership development, as these are key areas for us. The more relevant your application is, the better!
Be Data-Savvy: Since we’re looking for someone who can measure impact and shape strategy, include any data-driven results from your past work. Show us how you've used insights to drive talent development initiatives – numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join the wagamama family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wagamama
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Wagamama's culture and values. Understand their approach to talent development and how it aligns with their mission of making every bite count. This will help you articulate how your vision can enhance their existing strategies.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership philosophy and how you've successfully led teams in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to inspire and empower others, especially in fast-paced environments like hospitality.
✨Prepare Insightful Questions
Think of thoughtful questions that demonstrate your understanding of the role and the company. Ask about their current talent development initiatives or how they measure success in leadership evolution. This shows you're genuinely interested and engaged.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity and Growth
Wagamama values an inclusive culture, so be sure to discuss how you've fostered diversity and growth in previous roles. Share your ideas on creating a learning culture that supports all team members, ensuring everyone feels they belong and can thrive.
