Head Chef / Cook – Ds Klassic African Grill, Restaurant & Lounge
Location: 110 Icknield Street, Birmingham, B18 6RZ
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Work Location: In Person
Pay: Competitive – starting from £16.00 per hour (negotiable depending on experience – to be discussed at interview)
Provisional Start Date: August (exact start date to be confirmed)
About Us
We are excited to be launching a newly refurbished Ds Klassic African Grill, Restaurant & Lounge in the heart of Birmingham. Under new management, we are building a passionate and dedicated team to deliver exceptional food, drinks and customer service in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Head Chef / Cook to lead our kitchen and play a key role in creating an outstanding dining experience. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the success of a growing business while showcasing authentic African flavours alongside high quality grilled cuisine.
Job Summary
As the Head Chef / Cook, you will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring every dish is prepared to the highest standard while maintaining excellent food hygiene, safety and quality.
You will lead the kitchen team, supervise Chef Assistants, organise food preparation, manage stock and ordering, and work closely with the General Manager to ensure the kitchen operates efficiently during both daytime and late-night service.
This is a hands-on leadership role requiring excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage all day-to-day kitchen operations.
- Prepare, cook and present high-quality meals in line with company standards.
- Supervise, train and support Chef Assistants and other kitchen staff.
- Ensure consistency, quality and presentation across all dishes.
- Maintain high standards of food hygiene, cleanliness and kitchen organisation.
- Manage stock levels, food ordering and supplier deliveries.
- Monitor food costs and minimise waste.
- Ensure compliance with Food Safety, Health & Safety and allergen regulations.
- Develop and improve menu items in collaboration with management where appropriate.
- Ensure kitchen equipment is maintained and used safely.
- Organise staff duties and support efficient service during busy periods.
- Work closely with front of house staff to ensure excellent customer experiences.
- Complete opening and closing kitchen procedures, including late-night closing shifts where required.
Essential Requirements
- Minimum 2 years' experience working as a Head Chef, , Cook or similar role in a commercial kitchen.
- Strong cooking skills with experience preparing fresh food in a fast-paced environment.
- Previous experience supervising or leading a kitchen team.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to work under pressure while maintaining high standards.
- Good communication and leadership skills.
- A Level 2 Health & Safety qualification (or willingness to complete this qualification with our support).
- A Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene qualification (or willingness to complete this qualification with our support).
- Willingness to work evenings, weekends and late-night shifts.
- Right to work in the UK.
Desirable
- Experience preparing African cuisine, grilled dishes or working in an African restaurant.
- Experience creating menus and managing kitchen costs.
- Knowledge of stock control, food costing and supplier management.
- Experience training and developing junior kitchen staff.
What We Offer
- Competitive pay starting from £16.00 per hour, with higher rates available depending on experience.
- Opportunity to lead the kitchen of a newly refurbished venue under new management.
- Supportive and collaborative working environment.
- Ongoing training and professional development.
- Support to complete Level 2 Health & Safety and Food Safety qualifications if required.
- Opportunity to make a significant impact and grow with an exciting new African Grill, Restaurant & Lounge.
Recruitment Process
The recruitment process will consist of:
- An initial telephone screening interview.
- Successful candidates will then be invited to attend an in-person interview at the venue.
If you are an experienced chef with a passion for great food, strong leadership skills, and a desire to help build an exciting new African Grill, Restaurant & Lounge, we would love to hear from you.
Pay: From £15.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Flexible schedule
Work Location: In person
