head chef

head chef

Horsham Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team, ensuring every dish meets our high standards.
  • Company: Join wagamama, a brand that celebrates diversity and champions change.
  • Benefits: Enjoy up to £8,000 bonus, private medical insurance, and 50% discount on meals.
  • Why this job: Be part of a culture that values inclusivity and personal growth in a fast-paced environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a head chef with strong leadership and communication skills required.
  • Other info: Access to wellness support and fully funded apprenticeship programmes for career development.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

the role

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as a head chef at wagamama you\’ll lead your kitchen team in the wagamama way, live + breath 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

    head chef employer: Wagamama

    At Wagamama, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions inclusivity and personal growth. As a Head Chef, you'll not only lead a passionate kitchen team but also benefit from extensive training programmes, generous bonuses, and a supportive environment that prioritises your well-being and career progression. With unique perks like a free food allowance and a family-friendly policy, Wagamama is dedicated to ensuring you thrive both personally and professionally in a fast-paced, rewarding setting.
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    Contact Detail:

    Wagamama Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land 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 their culture during any interviews.

    ✨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 improved performance, as this is a key aspect of the head chef role at Wagamama.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Prepare to discuss your approach to food safety and health standards. Wagamama places a strong emphasis on maintaining high standards, so be ready to share how you've ensured compliance in your previous roles.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Highlight your financial acumen related to kitchen management. Be prepared to talk about your experience with gross profit, stock control, and managing labour costs, as these are crucial for the head chef position.

    We think you need these skills to ace head chef

    Leadership Skills
    Strong Communication Skills
    Team Development and Mentoring
    Food Safety and Hygiene Standards
    Financial Management
    Stock Control
    Labour Cost Management
    Problem-Solving Skills
    Ability to Work in a Fast-Paced Environment
    Passion for Inclusivity
    Creativity in Menu Development
    Adaptability to Changing Demands
    Commitment to Continuous Improvement (Kaizen)
    Ability to Inspire and Motivate Team Members

    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, managing food safety standards, and financial performance. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to inspire and engage a team in a fast-paced environment.

    Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for the role and the Wagamama way. Discuss how your leadership style aligns with their core values and how you can contribute to creating an inclusive environment.

    Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application shows 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, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a kitchen team. Share examples of how you've motivated your team in the past and discuss your approach to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued.

    ✨Emphasise Communication

    Strong communication is key in a fast-paced kitchen. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure your team feels heard and supported. Highlight any experiences where effective communication led to improved performance or team morale.

    ✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Standards

    Wagamama places a high emphasis on food, health, and safety standards. Be ready to talk about your experience in maintaining these standards and how you ensure compliance within your team. Specific examples will help illustrate your commitment.

    ✨Discuss Financial Acumen

    Understanding the financial performance of a kitchen is crucial. Prepare to discuss your experience with gross profit, stock control, and managing labour costs. Showing that you can react to changing demands while keeping finances in check will impress your interviewers.

    head chef
    Wagamama
    Location: Horsham
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