head chef

head chef

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

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic kitchen team and ensure high-quality dishes at Wagamama.
  • Company: Wagamama is a vibrant restaurant chain known for its delicious Asian-inspired cuisine.
  • Benefits: Enjoy bonuses, private medical insurance, free food, discounts, and wellness support.
  • Why this job: Join a culture of inclusivity and continuous improvement while inspiring your team.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Head Chef with strong leadership and communication skills required.
  • Other info: Embrace the Wagamama Way, focusing on good change and community impact.

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

    Wagamama is an exceptional employer for aspiring Head Chefs, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises personal growth and team engagement. With benefits such as a generous bonus scheme, comprehensive training programmes, and a commitment to inclusivity, Wagamama fosters an environment where culinary leaders can thrive and inspire their teams. Located in a dynamic setting, employees enjoy not only competitive perks but also the opportunity to be part of a brand that champions positive change and community impact.
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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 Wagamama's core values and the 'Wagamama Way'. 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 during any interviews. Prepare specific examples of how you've motivated your team and maintained high standards in food safety and quality, as this is crucial for the Head Chef role.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Be ready 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

    Prepare to talk about how you create an inclusive environment in your kitchen. Wagamama values diversity and respect, so sharing your strategies for fostering a supportive team culture will resonate well with their hiring managers.

    We think you need these skills to ace head chef

    Leadership Skills
    Strong Communication Skills
    Team Management
    Food Safety Standards
    Health and Safety Compliance
    Financial Acumen
    Stock Control
    Cost Management
    Adaptability in Fast-Paced Environments
    Passion for Inclusivity
    Creativity in Menu Development
    Problem-Solving Skills
    Training and Development
    Kaizen Philosophy Understanding

    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 a team, as well as your understanding of health and safety regulations.

    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 philosophy of Kaizen and how you can contribute to creating an inclusive environment.

    Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or typos. A polished application shows attention to detail, which is crucial in a high-standard kitchen environment.

    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, especially in high-pressure situations.

    ✨Emphasise Your Communication Style

    Effective communication is key in a kitchen environment. Be prepared to discuss how you engage with your team and ensure everyone feels heard and valued. Highlight any experiences where your communication skills made a difference.

    ✨Discuss Your Commitment to Quality

    Wagamama prides itself on high standards. Be ready to talk about your approach to maintaining food quality, health, and safety. Provide specific examples of how you've upheld these standards in previous roles.

    ✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen

    Understanding financial performance is crucial for this role. Prepare to discuss your experience with managing costs, stock control, and how you've contributed to a kitchen's profitability in the past.

    head chef
    Wagamama
    Location: Crawley
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