Umami - Sous Chef

Highcross Shopping Centre; Leicester; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Umami World Kitchen in Leicester seeks an experienced Sous Chef to support the Head Chef in directing daily kitchen operations and upholding exceptional culinary standards. You will manage line cooks, contribute to menu creation, and ensure consistent quality across all dishes.

This leadership role requires strong food safety knowledge, cost awareness, staff mentorship, and the ability to maintain composure in a fast-paced environment while delivering outstanding guest experiences.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or similar leadership role.
• Strong cooking techniques, food safety standards, and kitchen operations knowledge.
• Excellent leadership, organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Ability to manage and inspire kitchen staff and motivate them to work efficiently.
• Strong communication to liaise with kitchen and front-of-house teams.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment while maintaining high standards.
• Experience in menu creation, food costing, inventory management and maintaining quality.
• Solid understanding of food safety regulations and hygiene.
• Ability to handle customer complaints professionally.
• Passion for food, cooking, and culinary creativity; contribute to restaurant success.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, holidays.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in overseeing day-to-day kitchen operations and ensure dishes are prepared to standards.
• Supervise and guide kitchen staff, ensuring tasks are performed efficiently.
• Manage food preparation, cooking and presentation for consistency and quality.
• Oversee stock levels, order supplies, and ensure proper storage of ingredients.
• Ensure food safety, sanitation, and hygiene regulations are followed.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to junior staff and develop culinary skills.
• Maintain kitchen cleanliness and proper equipment maintenance.
• Handle customer complaints regarding food and provide timely solutions.
• Coordinate with front-of-house for smooth service and timely dishes.
• Assist in inventory management and cost-control targets.
• Support in budget preparation and financial targets.
• Step in for Head Chef as needed and lead kitchen operations.

Skills

Leadership

Cooking techniques

Food safety standards

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Communication skills

Menu creation

Food costing

Inventory management

Hygiene standards

Customer service handling

Passion for food

Flexibility

Job description

Welcome to Umami World Kitchen, where global flavours collide in the most delicious way possible. Think of us as your culinary passport-no jet lag, just 100+ mouthwatering dishes from every corner of the globe. From Chinese dim sum to Italian classics, Indian spices to Malaysian street food, we've got it all under one seriously stylish roof.

Welcome to Umami World Kitchen, where global flavours collide in the most delicious way possible. Think of us as your culinary passport-no jet lag, just 100+ mouthwatering dishes from every corner of the globe. From Chinese dim sum to Italian classics, Indian spices to Malaysian street food, we've got it all under one seriously stylish roof.

About The Role

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Sous Chef to join our kitchen team. As the Sous Chef, you will play a critical role in supporting the Head Chef in overseeing the kitchen's daily operations, maintaining high culinary standards, and ensuring an exceptional dining experience for our guests. This is a leadership role where you will have the opportunity to manage kitchen staff, assist with menu creation, and ensure the smooth operation of food preparation and service.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Head Chef in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the kitchen, ensuring that food is prepared and presented according to the restaurant's standards.
• Supervise and guide kitchen staff, including line cooks and kitchen assistants, ensuring they perform their tasks efficiently and effectively.
• Manage food preparation, cooking, and presentation, ensuring consistency and quality in every dish.
• Oversee stock levels, order supplies, and ensure proper storage and handling of ingredients to minimize waste and control costs.
• Ensure that food safety, sanitation, and health regulations are followed in all aspects of kitchen operations.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to junior kitchen staff, ensuring they develop their culinary skills and adhere to kitchen procedures.
• Ensure kitchen cleanliness and organization, including proper maintenance of equipment and tools.
• Handle customer complaints regarding food and provide timely solutions, ensuring guest satisfaction.
• Maintain communication with front-of-house staff to ensure smooth service and timely preparation of dishes.
• Assist in managing kitchen inventory and minimizing food waste to meet cost control targets.
• Support in preparing and maintaining kitchen budgets, assisting in cost analysis, and achieving financial goals.
• Step in for the Head Chef in their absence and take full responsibility for kitchen operations.
• Help maintain a positive and motivating work environment for the entire kitchen team.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience as a Sous Chef or in a similar culinary leadership role within a restaurant kitchen.
• Strong knowledge of cooking techniques, food safety standards, and kitchen operations.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and multitasking skills.
• Ability to manage and inspire kitchen staff, ensuring that they are motivated and work efficiently.
• Strong communication skills to liaise with kitchen and front-of-house teams effectively.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment and maintain high standards of food preparation and presentation.
• Experience in menu creation, food costing, inventory management, and maintaining food quality.
• Solid understanding of food safety regulations and hygiene standards.
• Ability to handle customer complaints and resolve issues professionally and efficiently.
• A passion for food, cooking, and culinary creativity, with a strong drive to contribute to the success of the restaurant.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required by restaurant schedules.

If you're an experienced and motivated Sous Chef ready to take your career to the next level, we'd love to hear from you!