At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen team, ensuring top-notch food quality and an energetic atmosphere.
- Company: Join Wagamama, where fresh food meets a buzzing community vibe.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, free meals, and discounts at various brands.
- Other info: Embrace a culture that supports growth, wellbeing, and individuality.
- Why this job: Step up your culinary career and make a real impact in a dynamic kitchen.
- Qualifications: Experience as a kitchen manager or senior sous chef with a passion for fresh food.
The predicted salary is between 40600 - 43600 £ per year.
Based at Whiteley Shopping Centre, our restaurant is well connected via the M27 and local transport routes. With free parking on site, it’s a convenient place to work, surrounded by shops, entertainment, and plenty of community buzz every day.
Wagamama, 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 Senior Sous Chef, you’ll run the pass, lead the team, and bring the buzz. It’s a role built for head chefs in the making, with real responsibility, real impact and real food.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Creating a place where your team feels safe, seen, and proud to show up
- Ensuring food quality and kitchen vibes stay sky‑high
- Mentoring chefs and helping them grow
- Jumping into prep, solving problems, and keeping pace
- 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 currently a kitchen manager or senior sous chef eager to take the next step
- You thrive working with fresh food
- You love the energy of a busy service
- You care about food, people, and creating a safe space
- You want the opportunity to grow into a head chef
- You believe kitchens should be full of energy, passion and connection
What You’ll Get
- A culture that backs your growth, wellbeing & individuality
- Up to £3,000 annual bonus
- A share of tips*
- 50% off Wagamama outside of work
- Free meals on shift
- Early access to earned pay with Wagestream
- 26 weeks full pay + 13 weeks half pay for new parents
- 30% off at our other brands (Brunning & Price pubs, Barburrito + more)
In addition to this, we offer benefits such as a pension scheme, holiday, training, cycle to work scheme, retail & leisure discounts, discounted gym memberships & long service awards.
Feed Yourself, Feed Others: 100% of tips go to our teams. Actual tips by restaurant will vary. Tips are left solely at our guest’s discretion and are not considered wages by the company nor are they guaranteed in any way.
We’re proud to be a disability‑confident employer. No matter where you’re from or who you are, you’ve got a place at our bench. We are an equal opportunity employer.
senior sous chef employer: wagamama
At Wagamama, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates individuality and growth. As a Senior Sous Chef at our Whiteley Shopping Centre location, you'll enjoy competitive pay, generous bonuses, and a supportive environment where you can mentor others and develop your culinary skills. With benefits like free meals, discounts across our brands, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, you'll find a rewarding career path filled with energy and passion for food.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land senior sous chef
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the restaurant vibe! Before your interview, pop by the place and soak in the atmosphere. Chat with the staff if you can; it’ll give you a feel for the team dynamics and help you tailor your approach.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for fresh food! During your interview, share specific examples of how you've worked with fresh ingredients and created amazing dishes. This will show them you’re not just about cooking, but about the love for food.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to talk about leadership! As a Senior Sous Chef, they’ll want to know how you’ve mentored others. Prepare some stories about how you’ve helped your team grow and kept the kitchen buzzing with energy.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Show your interest by asking about their kitchen culture and how they support growth. It’s a two-way street, and we want to make sure it’s the right fit for both you and them!
We think you need these skills to ace senior sous 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 they’ve shaped your culinary journey. We want to see that energy and passion!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Senior Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience. Talk about times you've mentored others or taken charge during busy services. We’re looking for someone who can bring the buzz!
Be Authentic and Personal:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We value individuality and want to know what makes you unique. Share your story and why you’re excited about joining our team at Wagamama.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you into the process. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of our Wagamama family!
How to prepare for a job interview at wagamama
✨Know Your Ingredients
Familiarise yourself with the menu and the ingredients used in the dishes. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes and how you would elevate them. This shows your passion for food and your understanding of what makes a great dining experience.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Sous Chef, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed a kitchen or mentored junior chefs. Highlight your ability to create a positive kitchen environment where everyone feels valued and motivated.
✨Embrace the Kaizen Mindset
Demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement by sharing specific instances where you've identified inefficiencies in the kitchen and implemented changes. This aligns perfectly with the company's focus on constant growth and betterment.
✨Bring the Energy
Wagamama thrives on high energy and passion. During the interview, let your enthusiasm shine through. Share stories that reflect your love for busy services and how you keep the kitchen vibes up, even during peak times.
