Soul Mama Music Venue | Restaurant

About Soul Mama At Soul Mama, we are all about bringing soulful experiences to life through exceptional food, world-class live music and vibrant culture. Our mission is simple: to create unforgettable experiences that nourish both the body and soul. As one of London’s fastest growing live music venue and restaurant brands, we pride ourselves on creating high-energy spaces where music, community and hospitality come together. Our food celebrates bold flavours inspired by African, Caribbean and South American cuisines, creating a dining experience that sits at the heart of everything Soul Mama represents. We are looking for a passionate, organised and driven Sous Chef to support our kitchen leadership team and help deliver consistently exceptional food standards as we continue to grow. Job Overview The Sous Chef plays a key leadership role within the Soul Mama kitchen, supporting the Head Chef in delivering outstanding food quality, operational excellence and a positive team culture. As second-in-command, you will assist with the day-to-day running of the kitchen, ensuring service runs smoothly, standards remain consistently high and the team are supported to perform at their best. This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who thrives in a fast-paced hospitality environment, takes ownership and leads by example. You will be expected to maintain excellent food standards, support cost control, uphold compliance requirements and contribute towards the continued success and growth of Soul Mama. Key Responsibilities *Kitchen Operations & Service Management* · Support the Head Chef with the daily running and organisation of all kitchen operations. · Lead kitchen service, ensuring smooth workflow, clear communication and efficient execution. · Coordinate kitchen sections effectively to ensure dishes are prepared and delivered to standard. · Maintain excellent standards of taste, presentation, quality and consistency. · Take responsibility for kitchen operations in the absence of the Head Chef. · Identify service challenges quickly and implement effective solutions. · Support continuous improvements across kitchen systems and processes. *Food Production & Quality Control* · Ensure all dishes meet Soul Mama recipe specifications, presentation standards and portion controls. · Maintain high standards of preparation, cooking and plating. · Oversee mise en place preparation and ensure readiness ahead of service. · Monitor ingredient quality, freshness and stock rotation using FIFO procedures. · Conduct regular quality checks throughout preparation and service. · Support menu development, specials and improvements where required. · Maintain consistency across every guest dining experience. *Team Leadership & Development* · Lead, motivate and support chefs and kitchen team members during service. · Create a positive working environment based on teamwork, respect and accountability. · Support training, onboarding and development of new team members. · Coach junior chefs to improve skills, confidence and performance. · Provide constructive feedback and support team progression. · Ensure kitchen expectations, procedures and standards are clearly communicated. · Lead by example through professionalism, attitude and work ethic. *Stock, Waste & Financial Control* · Support effective stock management, ordering and inventory processes. · Participate in regular stock counts and reporting. · Monitor food waste and actively support waste reduction. · Ensure correct storage procedures are followed to maintain quality and reduce loss. · Report shortages, supplier issues or stock concerns promptly. · Support the Head Chef in achieving GP targets and controlling food costs. · Maintain strong awareness of portion control and commercial performance. *Food Safety, Hygiene & Compliance* · Ensure all food safety procedures are consistently followed. · Maintain HACCP documentation, temperature checks and kitchen records. · Ensure compliance with EHO requirements and Safer Food Better Business standards. · Maintain exceptional cleanliness, organisation and hygiene throughout the kitchen. · Ensure allergen procedures are followed accurately at all times. · Report maintenance issues, equipment faults or safety concerns promptly. · Promote a safe working environment for the entire team. *Communication & Operational Support* · Work closely with the Head Chef, management team and front of house departments. · Support strong communication between kitchen and service teams. · Attend meetings and provide operational updates when required. · Support the implementation of new procedures and company standards. · Represent Soul Mama positively and professionally at all times. *Skills & Experience* · Previous experience as a Sous Chef or strong Junior Sous Chef ready for progression. · Experience working in a fast-paced restaurant or hospitality environment. · Strong understanding of kitchen operations and service delivery. · Knowledge of stock management, GP control and waste reduction. · Excellent food safety knowledge including HACCP standards. · Ability to lead, motivate and develop a team. · Strong communication and organisation skills. · Ability to remain calm and solution-focused under pressure. · Passion for food, culture and delivering memorable guest experiences. *Core Competencies* · Leadership and accountability · Strong operational organisation · Quality and consistency focus · Commercial awareness · Coaching and team development · Attention to detail · Problem-solving ability · Adaptability and flexibility · Excellent communication · Positive attitude and professionalism · Ownership and initiative *Desirable but not essential:* · Experience within high-volume restaurants or live entertainment venues · Experience supporting menu development · Previous involvement with kitchen financial targets · Level 3 Food Safety qualification · Experience training and developing junior chefs *Why Join Soul Mama?* You will be joining one of London’s most exciting cultural venues, bringing together food, music and community in a truly unique way. With ambitious growth plans and expanding locations, Soul Mama offers opportunities for development, progression and the chance to be part of building something special. At Soul Mama, we do not just serve food; we create moments. If you are passionate about quality, culture, teamwork and exceptional hospitality, we would love you to be part of the journey. Benefits: • Company pension, • Discounted or free food, • Employee discount, • Store discount Ability to commute/relocate: • Islington N1 0PS: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required) Experience: • Kitchen: 4 years (required), • Kitchen management: 1 year (required) Language: • Fluent English (required) Licence/Certification: • Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate (required) Work authorisation: • United Kingdom (required) Work Location: In person with your CV

About Soul Mama: At Soul Mama, we are all about bringing soulful experiences to life through exceptional food, world-class live music and vibrant culture. Our mission is simple: to create unforgettable experiences that nourish both the body and soul. As one of London’s fastest-growing live music venue and restaurant brands, we pride ourselves on creating high-energy spaces where music, community and hospitality come together. Our food celebrates bold flavours inspired by African, Caribbean and South American cuisines, creating a dining experience that sits at the heart of everything Soul Mama represents. We are looking for a talented, organised and passionate Chef de Partie to take ownership of kitchen sections, maintain excellent food standards and contribute to delivering unforgettable guest experiences. Job Overview The Chef de Partie is responsible for managing a designated kitchen section, ensuring preparation, cooking and service are completed to the highest standards. This role requires strong technical cooking skills, organisation and the ability to work independently while supporting the wider kitchen team. You will take responsibility for your section, ensuring consistency, efficiency, cleanliness and quality throughout every service. As a Chef de Partie, you will also support junior members of the team, contribute towards maintaining kitchen standards and continue developing your leadership skills within Soul Mama. Key Responsibilities *Section Management & Daily Operations* · Take responsibility for the preparation, organisation and running of your assigned kitchen section. · Ensure your section is fully prepared and ready ahead of each service. · Complete mise en place efficiently and to required standards. · Maintain excellent workflow, timing and communication throughout service. · Manage your section independently while supporting wider kitchen operations. · Communicate effectively with senior chefs and other sections. · Maintain consistency during high-volume and busy service periods. Food Production & Quality Control · Prepare, cook and present dishes in line with Soul Mama recipes and specifications. · Ensure every dish meets agreed standards for taste, presentation and portion control. · Maintain consistency and attention to detail across all food preparation. · Check ingredient quality and freshness before use. · Support tastings, menu improvements and new dish development when required. · Ensure all dishes leaving your section represent Soul Mama standards. · Reduce waste through effective preparation and organisation. *Stock Management & Cost Awareness* · Monitor stock levels within your section and communicate ordering requirements. · Ensure ingredients are stored correctly and rotated using FIFO procedures. · Assist with deliveries, stock checks and inventory processes. · Report shortages, quality concerns or supplier issues promptly. · Support effective stock control and waste reduction. · Maintain awareness of portion control, food costs and GP targets. *Team Support & Development* · Support, guide and mentor Commis Chefs and Kitchen Porters. · Assist with training and development of junior team members. · Lead by example through professionalism, organisation and positive attitude. · Share knowledge and encourage strong kitchen standards. · Support teamwork and effective communication across the kitchen. · Take ownership of your own development and progression. *Food Safety, Hygiene & Compliance* · Maintain exceptional cleanliness and organisation within your section. · Complete cleaning tasks in line with kitchen schedules. · Follow all HACCP procedures and food safety requirements. · Ensure correct storage, labelling and temperature controls are maintained. · Follow allergen procedures accurately. · Ensure kitchen equipment is used safely and responsibly. · Support compliance with EHO and Safer Food Better Business standards. *Communication & Operational Support* · Work closely with senior chefs to support smooth kitchen operations. · Communicate clearly during preparation and service. · Support improvements to kitchen processes and standards. · Work collaboratively with front of house teams where required. · Represent Soul Mama values through professionalism, teamwork and accountability. Skills & Experience · Previous experience as a Chef de Partie or experienced Commis Chef ready for progression. · Strong technical cooking skills and kitchen knowledge. · Ability to confidently manage a kitchen section. · Strong organisation and time management skills. · Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced service environment. · Understanding of food preparation, stock control and waste management. · Knowledge of food safety, hygiene and allergen procedures. · Positive attitude with willingness to learn and develop. · Passion for food, culture and delivering exceptional guest experiences. Core Competencies · Strong technical cooking ability · Section ownership and accountability · Organisation and preparation · Time management · Attention to detail · Quality and consistency focus · Team collaboration · Communication skills · Problem-solving ability · Basic cost awareness · Food safety knowledge · Leadership potential Desirable but not essential: · Experience working in a busy restaurant or hospitality environment · Experience supporting or training junior chefs · Knowledge of African, Caribbean or South American cuisines · Food Safety Level 2 or above · Interest in developing into senior kitchen leadership Why Join Soul Mama? You will be joining one of London’s most exciting cultural venues, where incredible food, live music and community come together. At Soul Mama, we believe in supporting growth, developing talent and creating opportunities for progression across our expanding venues. We do not just serve food; we create moments. If you are passionate about food, quality and being part of something unique, we would love you to join the Soul Mama journey. Benefits: • Company pension, • Discounted or free food, • Employee discount, • Store discount Ability to commute/relocate: • Islington N1 0PS: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required) Experience: • Kitchen: 2 years (required) Language: • Fluent English (required) Licence/Certification: • Level 3 Food Hygiene Certificate (preferred) Work authorisation: • United Kingdom (required) Work Location: In person Check our website and reach out with your CV