At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a vibrant kitchen team and create delicious Mexican dishes from scratch.
- Company: Wahaca, a top Mexican restaurant founded by a MasterChef winner.
- Benefits: 70% off food, £100 probation bonus, and quarterly bonuses.
- Other info: Enjoy fun events and a supportive work environment focused on growth.
- Why this job: Join us to inspire your team and deliver unforgettable dining experiences.
- Qualifications: Experience in a kitchen leadership role and a passion for fresh food.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Our story: Wahaca is a leading Mexican restaurant in the UK, founded by Thomasina Miers (MasterChef winner) and Mark Selby. Inspired by their time in Mexico, their mission is to show the UK how vibrant and delicious Mexican food is, championing great British produce and sourcing ingredients locally. Rooted in our founders' values, we serve a taste of Mexican sunshine through showing pride, staying humble, choosing integrity, having fun, and thinking positively. With an upbeat atmosphere and chef made dishes, we believe every meal should be an adventure and every guest a friend.
As Head Chef, you bring our food philosophy to life on every plate, setting the tone in the kitchen and building a culture of pride and accountability. We're looking for a hospitality leader who will play a pivotal role in driving our brand standards forward and inspiring their team to deliver a WOW-worthy experience for every guest.
How you'll drive success:
- Work alongside your General Manager to maintain the highest food safety standards.
- Lead, manage and develop a strong kitchen team including Sous Chef, section chefs, prep chefs and kitchen assistants.
- Inspire and guide your team by leading from the front, always ready to step in and support, ensuring all guests are served up a taste of Mexican sunshine.
- Champion a positive environment and deeply care about your team, supporting their growth and progression.
- A passion for fresh food - our dishes are made from scratch using seasonal ingredients, and you'll ensure our chefs are fully trained to follow recipes and maintain the highest standards.
- Take ownership for stock control and ordering and confidently manage systems that support daily operations.
People do their best work when they feel looked after inside and outside of work - because when our teams thrive, so do our guests. Creating a supportive, inclusive and energising environment is just as important to us as delivering great food and service. That's why we offer a range of great benefits:
FINANCIAL:
- 70% off food and 50% off drinks when dining at Wahaca with up to 3 friends.
- £100 to celebrate your probation in Wahaca.
- Up to £1,000 through friend referrals.
- Quarterly bonus scheme.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption pay.
- Early access to wages, financial support and discounts through Stream.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING:
- Free, nutritious meal every time you work, freshly made by our talented chefs.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Support from our trained Mental Health First Aiders.
- Time off for when needed; like your child's first day at school.
- Sabbatical - 4 weeks paid off work - every 5 years.
DEVELOPMENT:
- Training courses: Mental Health First Aid, Food Safety LV 3.
- Inspirational trips with our co-founders.
- Own development plan - we are committed to growing our people from within.
SOCIAL:
- Unwind and turn up the fun at one of our many events across the year such as WOW Fest!
- Our very own Masterchef and Cocktail competitions.
- The fun is in your hands with allocated funds and time to drive the fun with your team.
If you're inspired by what you've read and have a passion for delivering exceptional hospitality, we'd be thrilled to have you join our team!
Head Chef in Preston employer: Wahaca
Wahaca is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its team members, offering a vibrant work culture where creativity and passion for fresh, seasonal ingredients thrive. As Head Chef, you will not only lead a talented kitchen team but also enjoy fantastic benefits such as generous discounts, a supportive environment, and opportunities for personal development, all while contributing to a mission that celebrates the joy of Mexican cuisine. Join us in creating memorable dining experiences where every meal is an adventure and every team member is valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Chef in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Wahaca vibe! Before your interview, dive into their story and values. Show us you understand what makes Wahaca special and how you can bring that Mexican sunshine to life in the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 2
Bring your passion for fresh food to the table! Share your ideas on seasonal ingredients and how you can inspire your team to create dishes that wow every guest. We want to see your creativity shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Show us your leadership skills! Talk about how you've built strong teams in the past and how you plan to foster a positive environment at Wahaca. We love candidates who care about their team's growth as much as they do about great food.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to get your application noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the Wahaca family and ready to make a difference in our kitchens.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Chef in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for fresh, vibrant food shine through! Share any experiences that highlight your culinary journey and how you connect with our mission of delivering a taste of Mexican sunshine.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:As a Head Chef, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership style in your application. Talk about how you've inspired and developed your previous teams, and how you create a positive kitchen environment.
Be Authentic:We value integrity and authenticity, so don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. Share stories that reflect your values and how they align with our culture at Wahaca.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wahaca
✨Know Your Mexican Cuisine
Brush up on your knowledge of Mexican food and ingredients. Be ready to discuss your favourite dishes, how you would incorporate seasonal produce, and any unique twists you might bring to Wahaca's menu. This shows your passion for fresh food and aligns with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a kitchen team in the past. Highlight your approach to inspiring and developing your team, as well as how you create a positive environment. Wahaca values a supportive culture, so demonstrate how you prioritise team growth.
✨Emphasise Food Safety Standards
Familiarise yourself with food safety regulations and be prepared to discuss how you would maintain these standards in the kitchen. Share any relevant experiences where you ensured compliance and trained your team, as this is crucial for the Head Chef role.
✨Bring Your Fun Side
Wahaca believes in having fun while working. Think of ways to inject energy into the kitchen and create a vibrant atmosphere. Share ideas for team-building activities or events that could enhance morale and foster camaraderie among staff.
