At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen, creating fresh dishes and coaching your team.
- Company: Exciting new restaurant opening in 2026 with a focus on real food.
- Benefits: Up to £8,000 bonus, private medical insurance, and free meals on shift.
- Other info: Join a culture that values individuality and supports your growth.
- Why this job: Be part of something fresh and make a real impact in a creative environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for food, leadership skills, and a desire to grow.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Lead the kitchen at our brand new restaurant, opening 2026. Be part of something fresh from the very beginning. 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:
- You’re 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.
- 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.
Apply today + take a seat at the bench. 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 employer: wagamama
Wagamama is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and wellbeing of its team members, offering a vibrant work culture where individuality is celebrated. As a Front of House Manager, you will enjoy benefits such as a generous annual bonus, biweekly pay, and free meals on shift, all while leading a passionate team dedicated to delivering unforgettable guest experiences. With a strong focus on training and development, Wagamama empowers you to nurture your team's potential in a supportive environment that values fresh ingredients and great service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land head chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the restaurant scene! Visit local eateries, chat with chefs, and soak up the vibe. This will not only help you understand what makes a kitchen tick but also give you some great talking points when you land that interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with other chefs and industry folks on social media or at events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or be able to put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best dishes or even a video showcasing your cooking style. This is a fantastic way to demonstrate your passion and creativity beyond just a CV.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our fresh kitchen culture at wagamama.
We think you need these skills to ace head chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for fresh food and cooking shine through. Share your experiences in the kitchen and how you create big flavours without shortcuts. 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. Talk about how you've coached others, created a positive kitchen environment, and kept quality sky-high. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and elevate their team!
Emphasise Your Cool Under Pressure:Kitchens can get hectic, and we need someone who thrives in that fast-paced environment. In your application, share examples of how you've handled pressure and maintained quality during busy service times. Show us you can keep your cool while smashing it in the kitchen!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to see your application and get to know you better. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at wagamama. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at wagamama
✨Know Your Flavours
Before the interview, brush up on the menu and the types of dishes that Wagamama serves. Be ready to discuss your favourite flavours and how you can bring your own twist to their offerings. Show them you’re passionate about food and understand their ethos of fresh, real ingredients.
✨Lead with Confidence
As a head chef, leadership is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Think about times when you’ve coached others or handled high-pressure situations. This will demonstrate your ability to create a positive environment where everyone feels valued.
✨Embrace the Kaizen Mindset
Familiarise yourself with the concept of continuous improvement. Be ready to share specific ideas on how you can enhance kitchen operations at Wagamama. This shows you’re not just about maintaining standards but are also keen on innovating and improving processes.
✨Show Your Passion for Team Culture
Wagamama values a supportive and vibrant kitchen culture. Think about how you can contribute to this environment. Share your thoughts on building team morale and creating a space where everyone feels proud to work. This will resonate well with their focus on connection and good vibes.
