Location: Natty's Jerk, Portsmouth
About Natty's Jerk
At Natty's Jerk, we're more than just a restaurant - we're a Caribbean food experience. We bring together incredible flavours, vibrant culture, music, energy, and hospitality to create memorable experiences for every guest. As an award-winning, family-run business, we are passionate about our people, our standards, and delivering excellence every day.
The Role
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Kitchen Assistant Manager to support the Kitchen Manager in the day-to-day running of our busy Portsmouth kitchen.
This is a key leadership role within the business. You will act as the Kitchen Manager's right-hand person, helping to maintain exceptional food quality, operational standards, and team performance. You will be expected to confidently lead the kitchen in the Kitchen Manager's absence, acting as a joint voice for the business and ensuring our values, culture, and standards are consistently upheld.
The successful candidate will be reliable, proactive, organised, and capable of leading a team with professionalism and diplomacy.
Key Responsibilities
Kitchen Operations
- Support the Kitchen Manager in the daily operation of the kitchen.
- Lead kitchen service confidently during shifts and in the Kitchen Manager's absence.
- Ensure all food is prepared and presented to Natty's Jerk standards.
- Run a fast-paced pass efficiently and accurately during busy service periods.
- Maintain excellent food safety and hygiene standards at all times.
- Ensure all opening, closing, and daily operational procedures are completed correctly.
Team Leadership
- Support, coach, and develop kitchen team members.
- Lead by example through positive attitude, work ethic, and professionalism.
- Help maintain a positive, productive, and accountable kitchen culture.
- Manage team performance diplomatically and professionally.
- Support training and onboarding of new team members.
Stock & Cost Control
- Support and maintain accurate stock-taking processes.
- Monitor stock levels and communicate requirements proactively.
- Assist with ordering and inventory management.
- Contribute to effective cost control and minimisation of waste.
- Understand and support wider business objectives relating to profitability and performance.
Compliance & Administration
- Oversee kitchen audit paperwork and ensure records are completed accurately.
- Support the Kitchen Manager with rota planning and organisation.
- Ensure all health and safety, food safety, and compliance documentation is maintained.
- Assist with implementing and maintaining company SOPs and procedures.
Customer Experience
- Champion excellent customer service standards.
- Understand the importance of the guest experience and how kitchen performance contributes to it.
- Work collaboratively with Front-of-House teams to ensure smooth service delivery.
- Respond professionally and positively to feedback and service challenges.
What We're Looking For
Essential
- Previous experience working as a Line Cook or similar kitchen role.
- Ability to confidently run a busy pass during peak service.
- Strong understanding of food safety and kitchen operations.
- Excellent communication and team leadership skills.
- Reliable, organised, and able to perform under pressure.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Good understanding of stock control and cost management.
- Ability to motivate and manage others in a professional and diplomatic manner.
Desirable
- Previous supervisory or management experience in a kitchen environment.
- Experience supporting rota management and labour planning.
- Experience conducting stock takes and maintaining compliance records.
- Caribbean food experience (advantageous but not essential).
What Success Looks Like
- Consistently high food quality and presentation standards.
- A motivated, well-organised kitchen team.
- Strong audit and compliance performance.
- Accurate stock management and controlled food costs.
- Smooth and efficient service, even during peak trading periods.
- Positive collaboration between kitchen and front-of-house teams.
- Acting as a trusted leader and role model within the business.
Why Join Natty's Jerk?
- Be part of an award-winning, growing family business.
- Opportunity for career progression and development.
- Work within a supportive and ambitious team.
- Help deliver an authentic Caribbean food experience that customers love.
At Natty's Jerk, attitude is just as important as experience. We're looking for someone who takes pride in their work, supports their team, and is committed to helping us deliver exceptional experiences every day.
Pay: £13.00-£14.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
