head chef

head chef | full time

at wagamama, we’re an eating house for the soul. with over 160 uk restaurants and growing, our purpose is to nourish the world from bowl to soul. inspired by fast-paced, japanese ramen bars since 1992. a celebration of asian food brought wagamama to life 

we’re looking for a head chef to join us on our continuous journey of true nourishment 

the role | 

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

wagamama is proudly part of disability confident