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: Competitive salary, bonuses, free meals, and discounts at Wagamama and other brands.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with excellent career development and support for individuality.
- Why this job: Join a creative environment that values connection, growth, and delicious food.
- Qualifications: Passion for cooking, leadership skills, and a desire to improve.
The predicted salary is between 54600 - 54600 £ per year.
Salary: £54,600 pa (£46,600 base salary + £8,000 bonus)
Location: Central Epsom, close to the train station, 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, 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 WagerStream.
- 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, and more).
In addition to this, we offer benefits such as a pension scheme, holiday, training, cycle to work scheme, retail and 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 Epsom employer: wagamama
At Wagamama, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Central Epsom. As a Head Chef, you'll enjoy a supportive environment that fosters personal growth and creativity, alongside competitive benefits like an annual bonus, private medical insurance, and generous discounts. Join us to lead a passionate team in a kitchen where fresh food and good vibes are at the forefront, making every day rewarding and meaningful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land head chef in Epsom
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Wagamama's vibe on social media or their website. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their kitchen family.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills under pressure! Set up a mini service at home where you whip up dishes quickly. This will not only boost your confidence but also prepare you for the fast-paced environment at Wagamama.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership style! Think about how you can create a supportive kitchen environment. During your interview, share examples of how you've coached your team in the past and how you plan to keep morale high.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Wagamama family and ready to bring your passion for food to the table.
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 energy and pride in your words.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've coached others and created a positive kitchen environment. We’re all about good vibes!
Be Specific About Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous jobs; tell us about the specific skills you’ve gained and how they relate to our fast-paced kitchen. We love details that show how you can keep quality sky-high every time.
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 keen to join our Wagamama family!
How to prepare for a job interview at wagamama
✨Know Your Flavours
Before the interview, brush up on Wagamama's menu and their approach to fresh food. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would elevate them. This shows your passion for food and aligns with their commitment to quality.
✨Show Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your coaching methods and how you create a positive work environment. Wagamama values a supportive culture, so demonstrate how you foster teamwork and pride.
✨Stay Cool Under Pressure
Think of scenarios where you had to manage stress in a busy kitchen. Share specific instances where you maintained quality and efficiency during peak times. This will showcase your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, which is crucial for the Head Chef role.
✨Embrace the Kaizen Mindset
Familiarise yourself with the concept of continuous improvement. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented small changes in previous roles that led to better outcomes. Wagamama appreciates innovative thinking, so share your ideas on how to enhance kitchen operations.
