Founded in 2003 by Dong Hyun Kim, he began with a simple yet ambitious mission: to make fresh, flavourful sushi and bento accessible to everyone. After more than 20 years, Wasabi has grown to 40 thriving branches across London, major UK cities, and New York.
In 2019, the journey expanded with the introduction of Wasabi Home Bento, launched exclusively in Sainsbury’s. Building on that success, the grocery business broadened its reach to Tesco in September 2022, followed by exciting launches in Co-op and Morrisons in 2024. Today, Wasabi proudly stands as the No. 2 chilled ready-meal brand, driving significant market growth and setting new standards for quality and innovation. And this is just the beginning.
Wasabi’s menu is celebrated for its unique character, exceptional freshness, and bold flavours. Our diverse range is designed to delight a wide audience, delivering both comfort and excitement with every bite.
Our leadership team has unveiled an ambitious 5-year strategy, focusing on company growth, franchise opportunities, and international expansion.
As we prepare for our next phase of growth and innovation, we have an incredibly exciting opportunity for a People Partner to join our People Team based in Park Royal. This is a 2 month fixed term contract.
The Role:
The People Partner supporting our Food, Manufacturing and Supply Chain group (approximately 350 employees). The People Partners work closely with business leaders and line managers to build people capability, plan and manage talent and develop approaches that achieve shared organisational objectives. They provide consultation and advice on all employee relations activity, using our people policies and their own knowledge of employment law, balancing employee welfare and fairness with commercial needs.
The People Partner helps to build skill and empower our managers through coaching, great people processes and knowledge.
Key responsibilities:
Support in setting a professional foundation in processes and culture - developing a proactive, agile and service focused environment
Build strong relationships built on trust with key stakeholders to discuss people opportunities and challenges and align interventions with the business strategy
Provide guidance on strategic people practices such as organisational design, engagement and succession planning
Bring people expertise and develop solutions to help the factory to deliver its strategy
Foster an environment where employee relation expertise is proactive and preventative in nature
Act as a local point of people expertise for teams that are implementing new people approaches
Question and challenging others to get to the root of people issues to find solutions
Coach and provide feedback to key stakeholders to help improve business efficiency where there is a people element associated
Empower managers with information and data to enable them to lead, inspire and make strategic people decisions
Promote a fair, transparent and inclusive environment
Our requirements:
This is a short- term opportunity to cover an extended period of sick leave of the incumbent. The ideal candidate will have had exposure to working in a food or other manufacturing environment and will be familiar with supporting hourly paid and salaried populations. The role would suit an individual who is quick to build relationships and who can effectively prioritise their workload. Key will be experience managing complex ER cases and the ability to work through these in a logical and empathetic manner. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate:
That they are well organised and focused, is naturally methodical, with strong attention to detail Is passionate about Wasabi and producing quality food
That they have the ability to work in a fast paced and challenging environment as well as demonstrate the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
Excellent communication skills written and in person, with the ability to flex their communication style to get the best out of people and situations
Flexibility to work suitable shift patterns, at least 3 days in the office working normal office hours, but more maybe required depending on local requirements, with the odd occasion working late to support night shift people activity
Initiative and willingness to learn
A solution finding, can-do approach
That they are a self-starter, capable of focussing on what needs to be done, creating a plan and delivering to the timelines
Alignment to our behaviours – We are Passionate, We are Adaptable, We are Responsible, We are a Team
In return we provide:
A great working environment
Pension scheme
Target Bonus
Refer A Friend Scheme
Free Sushi or hot food (vegan options available)
50% discount in our Branches
Employee Assistant Programme
Help@Hand (a service providing health and wellbeing support)
Hybrid working model
Long Service Awards
Wagestream - a financial wellbeing benefit that lets you access your pay as you earn it in real time and manage savings
Life Assurance
Cycle To Work
Free on-site parking
A variety of discounts (shopping, food & drink, entertainment and health & fitness) through Perkbox and
The opportunity to develop your skills within a growing company.
Our people make us who we are. If you're looking for an exciting challenge and this sounds like the job for you please apply today as we can't wait to hear from you.
COME ROLL WITH US