JAMAYA Job Title
Sous Chef
Location
JAMAYA Restaurants - Colmore Row, Birmingham
About JAMAYA
At JAMAYA, food is a celebration. We are an award-winning independent Jamaican restaurant bringing authentic Jamaican flavours, vibrant hospitality and good vibes to every guest. We believe in cooking with passion, leading with respect and creating memorable dining experiences through exceptional food and outstanding teamwork.
Role Purpose
As Sous Chef, helping to lead the kitchen team to consistently deliver high standards of food quality, service, and kitchen operations. You will inspire and develop your team while ensuring every dish leaving the kitchen reflects the JAMAYA brand and our commitment to authentic Jamaican cuisine.
Key Responsibilities: Kitchen Leadership
- Lead kitchen shifts confidently when the Head Chef is absent.
- Motivate, coach and develop the kitchen team to achieve their full potential.
- Maintain a positive, respectful and high-performing working environment.
Food Quality
- Ensure every dish is prepared and presented to JAMAYA specifications.
- Maintain consistency in taste, quality and portion control.
- Support menu development and seasonal specials.
- Ensure all food is prepared using fresh ingredients and follows company recipes.
Operations
- Manage daily kitchen preparation and service.
- Monitor stock levels and assist with ordering, stock rotation and inventory control.
- Minimise food waste while maintaining quality standards.
- Support labour scheduling to achieve productivity targets.
Food Safety & Compliance
- Ensure full compliance with Food Hygiene Regulations and HACCP procedures.
- Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and organisation.
- Complete all food safety and temperature records accurately.
- Promote a safe working environment and ensure Health & Safety procedures are followed.
Team Development
- Train new team members in kitchen procedures and recipes.
- Conduct on-the-job coaching and skills development.
- Support performance management alongside the Head Chef.
- Encourage teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement.
What We're Looking ForEssential
- Previous experience as a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie.
- Strong leadership and communication skills.
- Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced kitchen.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills.
- Sound knowledge of food safety, HACCP and kitchen compliance.
- Passion for fresh food and delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Desirable
- Experience within casual dining or branded restaurants.
- Caribbean or international cuisine experience.
- Level 3 Food Hygiene qualification.
- Experience with stock management and kitchen KPIs.
Personal Qualities
- Passionate about food and hospitality.
- Positive attitude with a "can-do" approach.
- Reliable, organised and professional.
- Calm under pressure.
- Leads by example.
- Committed to developing others.
- Takes pride in delivering great food and creating good vibes every day.
What JAMAYA Offers
- Competitive hourly pay.
- Share of tips.
- Career development and progression opportunities.
- Ongoing training and leadership development.
- Staff meals on shift.
- Employee discounts.
- A supportive team culture where everyone contributes to creating unforgettable guest experiences.
JAMAYA Values
Every member of our kitchen team is expected to:
- Bring positive energy to every shift.
- Treat colleagues with respect.
- Take ownership of quality.
- Work as one team.
- Deliver authentic flavours with consistency.
- Create an environment where both guests and colleagues feel welcome.
Pay: £16.00-£18.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
Experience:
- Sous Chef: 2 years (required)
Work Location: In person
