At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative projects, enhancing guest experiences and operational efficiency at wagamama.
- Company: Join wagamama, a vibrant Asian-inspired restaurant chain with over 165 locations across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 20% bonus, flexible hybrid work, and a £200 monthly food allowance.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of dining while enjoying a fun, inclusive culture.
- Qualifications: Must have significant experience in business transformation and senior-level analysis in consumer-facing industries.
- Other info: Work closely with executives and spend time in restaurants to connect with teams and guests.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
london 📍 | hybrid 3 days a week | competitive salary + 20% bonus |
at wagamama, food is life 🥢 and we’re here to make every bite count. with over 165 restaurants across the UK (and growing fast) we’ve been dishing up vibrant, fresh asian inspired flavours since ‘92. it’s all about good food, good vibes, and good company 🍜🔥
were looking for a principal ba to join us on our journey 🌱 ready to dive in and stir things up?
what we need |
this isn’t a back-office analyst role delivering traditional requirements. it’s a principal-level position; senior, visible + influential. you’ll work directly with the exec and business teams to solve complex problems, re-architect our operating models, deliver business + technology transformation and design + deliver change that shapes the wagamama of tomorrow
we’re building a small, senior team of problem solvers. you won’t be lost in layers of governance; you’ll have the freedom, visibility + influence to make things happen. your work will touch every part of the business, from the guest experience to the way we run our kitchens.
and because this is wagamama, you won’t just be in the office. you’ll spend time in our restaurants, staying connected to our teams + the guests who make us who we are.
what you’ll do |
- act as the trusted, accountable business analyst spearheading one or more of our large-scale programmes of change, flexing between strategic oversight to hands on delivery
- influence our target operating model, setting the blueprint for how wagamama scales and grows strategically.
- re-engineer guest journeys, making every interaction (in-restaurant + digital) friction free, meaningful + true to our brand.
- lead structured problem-solving, cutting through ambiguity to design pragmatic, lasting solutions.
- prove + deliver transformation, driving fast-paced proofs of concept, then staying hands-on through delivery + value realisation.
- map value chains + capabilities, ensuring our investments + decisions directly enable growth + guest experience.
- bridge strategy + technology, ensuring systems are business enablers, not constraints
what you’ll need |
this role needs someone who has already operated at principal / very senior lead analysis level. someone who can inspire confidence at the exec table, while rolling up their sleeves when detail matters.
- significant, demonstrable experience in business transformation, strategic operations or senior level business analysis and/or enterprise architecture.
- track record leading business analysis on large, cross-functional change programmes end-to-end (not just technology but business change also)
- deep experience in operating model design, process reengineering + customer/guest experience transformation.
- strong commercial + operational acumen, with advanced problem-solving + options analysis skills.
- background in multi-site, consumer-facing industries (hospitality, retail, leisure).
- ideally with experience in consulting, internal strategy teams, or transformation offices.
who you’ll be working with |
- head of ba
- director of change
what’s in it for you |
- competitive salary + 20% bonus potential
- flexible hybrid working (with option to work + eat from one of our restaurants!)
- come as you are culture, with modern offices, fresh fruit and soft drinks
- £200 monthly wagamama food allowance — enjoy all your favourite dishes on us!
- private healthcare
- 3% pension contribution
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- + further discounts across retail, hospitality & leisure — perks that make life sweeter
- Supporting you every step of the way! family-friendly pay: 26 weeks full pay + 13 weeks half pay for expectant or adopting parents
nothing brings people together like great food. no matter where you’re from or who you are, you’ve got a seat at our table | because food is the ultimate connector, and here everyone belongs
Principal Business Analyst employer: Wagamama
Contact Detail:
Wagamama Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Business Analyst
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with wagamama's brand values and culture. Understanding their commitment to good food, good vibes, and good company will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions, showcasing how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of wagamama, especially those in senior roles. Engaging in conversations about their experiences can provide valuable insights into the company’s operations and expectations for the Principal Business Analyst role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your past experiences in business transformation and operating model design. Be ready to demonstrate how your strategic oversight and hands-on delivery have led to successful outcomes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your problem-solving skills by preparing case studies or scenarios that highlight your ability to cut through ambiguity and deliver pragmatic solutions. This will resonate well with wagamama's focus on structured problem-solving and transformation.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Business Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Principal Business Analyst position at wagamama. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in business transformation, strategic operations, and senior-level analysis. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead large-scale change programmes and influence at the executive level.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention how your background aligns with wagamama's values and mission, and provide examples of how you've successfully tackled similar challenges in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, focus on quantifiable achievements that relate to the job. For instance, discuss specific projects where you improved guest experiences or led successful transformations, emphasising the impact of your work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wagamama
✨Understand the Company Culture
Wagamama values good food, good vibes, and good company. Make sure to convey your passion for these values during the interview. Share experiences that highlight your alignment with their culture and how you can contribute positively to their environment.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
As a Principal Business Analyst, you'll need to showcase your ability to tackle complex problems. Prepare examples of past projects where you led structured problem-solving initiatives, particularly in business transformation or operational design.
✨Highlight Cross-Functional Experience
This role requires collaboration across various teams. Be ready to discuss your experience in leading cross-functional change programmes and how you've successfully bridged gaps between strategy and technology in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Approach
Wagamama is looking for someone who can roll up their sleeves and get involved in the details. Prepare to discuss instances where you have been hands-on in delivering transformation and how you ensured value realisation from your initiatives.