head chef

head chef

Cambridge Full-Time 28800 - 42000 £ / 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: Wagamama celebrates diversity and champions change in food and community.
  • Benefits: Enjoy up to £8,000 bonus, private medical insurance, and 50% discount on meals.
  • Why this job: Join a culture that values inclusivity and inspires 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 28800 - 42000 £ 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 wellness support, 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 continuous improvement.

    ✨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 maintained high standards under pressure, as this is crucial for the head chef role.

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Prepare to talk about your approach to food safety and health standards. Highlight any relevant certifications or training you've completed, as well as your experience in managing kitchen hygiene and safety protocols.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Demonstrate your understanding of financial performance in a kitchen setting. Be ready to discuss how you've managed costs, including labour and stock control, and how you've contributed to the overall profitability of your previous kitchens.

    We think you need these skills to ace head chef

    Leadership Skills
    Strong Communication Skills
    Team Development and Growth
    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
    Adaptability to Changing Demands
    Creativity in Menu Development
    Commitment to Continuous Improvement (Kaizen)
    Empathy and Supportive Leadership

    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 personal values align with their commitment to inclusivity and positive change, and share your unique story.

    Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or typos. A polished application shows attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for a head chef position.

    How to prepare for a job interview at Wagamama

    ✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

    As a head chef, your ability to lead and inspire your team is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've motivated your team in the past. Highlight any specific strategies you've used to create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued.

    ✨Demonstrate Your Culinary Standards

    Wagamama places a strong emphasis on high food standards. Be ready to talk about your experience with food safety and quality control. You might want to share specific instances where you ensured that every dish met or exceeded expectations, showcasing your commitment to excellence.

    ✨Discuss Financial Acumen

    Understanding the financial performance of a kitchen is key for this role. Prepare to discuss your experience with managing costs, including labour and stock control. Providing examples of how you've improved profitability in previous roles will demonstrate your capability in this area.

    ✨Embrace the Wagamama Way

    Familiarise yourself with the Wagamama philosophy of 'kaizen' and be ready to discuss how you embody this in your work. Share your thoughts on continuous improvement and how you’ve implemented changes in your kitchen to enhance efficiency and team morale.

    head chef
    Wagamama
    Location: Cambridge
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