Head of risk

12 month FTC | london 📍 | hybrid 3 days a week | competitive salary + 20% bonus + ca


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 head of risk to join us on our journey for a 12 month fixed term contract


🌱 ready to dive in and stir things up?


purpose |

to lead the operational strategy for workplace safety and compliance, including food safety, health and safety, allergen management, fire safety, trading law + licensing for wagamama.

being the subject matter expert on all risk, safety and compliance policies, procedures, risk registers, primary authority assured advice and improvement plans to help to ensure that our restaurants, delivery kitchens, office, cpu and franchise operators are a safe place to work and dine


responsibilities |

* deliver safe, clean, and legally compliant environments for all wagamama guests and teams so guests leave having a great time and teams are safe whilst at work
* monitor, manage and communicate changes in legislation relating to all areas of safety and compliance to help reduce risk of serious incidents, brand impact and financial loss
* responsibility of the risk team on-call escalation process to manage rapid response to serious incidents during restaurants and delivery kitchen operating times.
* ensure there is a deliverable plan for operational crisis management in the event of any issues to mitigate danger and reduce risk to team and guest welfare
* manage el and pl insurance claims to minimise cost
* provide technical expertise and reporting to the operational leadership team and to the Wagamama board
* deliver robust and legally compliant safety procedures
* maintain high safety and hygiene standards and drive continuous improvement within restaurants and delivery kitchens.
* work collaboratively across wagamama, trg businesses and the hospitality industry
* work in partnership with franchise operators to ensure the brand is protected and partners are implementing and maintaining high safety and hygiene standards


key skills + requirements |

* minimum 5 years safety/risk experience in a multi-site hospitality, or food retail or food service business
* environmental health degree or higher-level safety professional qualification, chartered status desirable
* significant knowledge of safety laws
* significant knowledge of serious incident management, crisis management + business continuity + dealing with enforcing authorities and external auditors
* experience of advising and reporting to leadership teams
* experience in strategic action planning and implementation
* public health + infection control, desirable
* the ability to influence executives and senior stakeholders
* ·able to gain buy-in through providing an evidenced based approach
* ·hold a valid, current driving licence


what’s in it for you |

* car allowance
* hybrid working
* 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