Senior Sous Chef

Zuma Restaurants; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

World-Class training

Global opportunities

Health Benefits

Bonus Opportunity

401(k) Retirement Plan

Family Meals

Rewards & Recognition

Staff discount

Job summary

Zuma Restaurants seeks a Senior Sous Chef in Miami to support the Executive and Head Chefs in all kitchen operations, drive culinary excellence, and mentor staff. The role focuses on high-level execution, menu innovation, and maintaining brand standards across a busy, upscale environment.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years in a leadership kitchen role, culinary training, and a passion for Japanese-inspired cuisine.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a high-volume kitchen with leadership experience.
• Experience in Japanese or international cuisine preferred.
• Culinary degree or equivalent training; health and safety certification required.

Responsibilities

• Assist Exec and Head Chefs in menu planning, costing and presentation.
• Lead day-to-day kitchen operations ensuring quality and consistency.
• Mentor and train sous chefs and line cooks to uphold standards.
• Oversee service, inventory, ordering, waste reduction and scheduling.
• Collaborate on seasonal menus and culinary events.

Skills

Leadership

Menu development

Staff training

Quality control

Costing

Education

Culinary degree

Job description

As a Zuma Senior Sous Chef, you are responsible for supporting the Executive Chef and the Head Chef in all aspects of kitchen operations, with an added focus on overseeing high-level culinary execution, staff management, and quality assurance. You will drive menu innovation, enforce standards of excellence, and mentor junior and mid-level kitchen staff to ensure exceptional dining experiences for our guests.

Zuma is a contemporary Japanese restaurant collection, inspired by the dynamic Izakaya dining style. Our global collection includes four venues across North America's most iconic cities: Miami, New York, Las Vegas, and Boston. Our venues are icons in each of their hospitality landscapes, demonstrating our commitment to excellence and to elevating our guest experiences. Zuma in proud to be part of the Azumi collection.

At Zuma, we're more than a restaurant – we're a vibrant community fuelled by the energy that flows from our Robata grills, guided by our core values:

Honor the Mastery - we celebrate every detail, always striving for perfection – putting pride in everything we do

Do Unto Others - we support each other to be at our best, treating every team member and guest with warmth and openness

Embrace the Energy - we bring passion and positivity to everything we do

Main Duties

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Assist the Executive Chef and Head Chef in planning and executing menu offerings, including recipe development, costing, and presentation
• Lead and supervise day-to-day kitchen operations, including food preparation, cooking, and plating, ensuring consistency, quality, and adherence to brand standards
• Mentor and train kitchen staff, including Sous Chefs, line cooks, and prep cooks, fostering an environment of continuous learning and excellence
• Oversee service periods, ensuring smooth and efficient food production, timely delivery, and effective communication within the team
• Manage inventory and ordering processes, maintaining optimal stock levels and minimizing waste through efficient rotation and storage practices
• Assist in kitchen scheduling, managing labor costs, and staffing levels to align with business needs and maintain high productivity
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef and Head Chef in developing seasonal menus, special promotions, and culinary events, actively participating in tastings and evaluations

What We Look For

Our ideal candidate embodies our values and the following:

• A genuine love for culinary experiences & a passion for Japanese cuisine
• A natural team player who is at home working in sync with a large team
• Naturally friendly, customer-oriented, and skilled at creating memorable dining experiences
• 5+ years of experience in a high-volume, upscale kitchen environment, with at least 2 years in a leadership role, experience in high-end or international cuisines preferred
• Culinary degree or equivalent formal training preferred
• Must hold a valid health and safety certification as required by local regulations
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required

We offer incredible career growth, international opportunities, and the chance to contribute to a world-renowned brand, where every detail from the finest ingredients to our unrivalled atmosphere is crafted to perfection.

As part of our team, you’ll enjoy:

• World-Class training, designed to inspire and educate
• Global opportunities, experience hospitality around the globe with our five incredible brands
• Health Benefits: Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance to ensure your well-being
• Bonus Opportunity, eligible roles may participate in our annual bonus program, rewarding individual and business performance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan, supporting your long-term financial well-being and future goals
• Family Meals are shared daily
• Rewards & Recognition, we value our team and celebrate your contributions to our success with meaningful rewards and recognition
• Staff discount, enjoy exclusive discounts across the Azumi group, worldwide!

Our Commitment to Inclusivity

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome all applicants. If you require any assistance to make the recruitment process more accessible, please let one of our Talent Acquisition team know.