Sous Chef Position in Birmingham B5 – Immediate Start with Phone Direct
Phone Direct, a leading recruitment and staffing agency in Birmingham, is urgently seeking a skilled and passionate Sous Chef for a high-profile temporary-to-permanent placement. This is your chance for an immediate start, competitive weekly pay, and a pivotal role within a dynamic kitchen in the B5 district.
Sous Chef Job Description
Phone Direct is partnering with a prestigious, high-volume culinary establishment in the heart of Birmingham B5 to recruit a dedicated Sous Chef. This is not just another kitchen job; it's a leadership role critical to maintaining the exceptional standards of a kitchen renowned for its innovative British cuisine and vibrant atmosphere. As a key member of the brigade, you will support the Head Chef in all aspects of kitchen management, from menu development and food costing to staff supervision and maintaining impeccable hygiene standards.
We specialise in connecting talented hospitality professionals with Birmingham's best employers. Whether you're seeking an immediate start to bridge a gap between permanent roles, or looking for a temp-to-perm pathway into an award-winning team, this role offers a substantial career opportunity. Just as we successfully place Healthcare Assistants in Bolton and source Recruitment Talent in Leeds, we are committed to finding the perfect culinary match for our client in B5.
Key Sous Chef Responsibilities
- Kitchen Leadership & Service Management: Deputise for the Head Chef in their absence, taking full responsibility for the smooth running of all kitchen sections during service. Lead, motivate, and supervise a team of Commis Chefs, School Kitchen Porters, and Demi Chefs, ensuring precise timing and flawless plate presentation.
- Menu Development & Food Cost Control: Collaborate on seasonal menu changes, contributing creative ideas while rigorously managing food costs, portion control, and stock rotation to minimise waste and maximise GP. Conduct weekly inventory checks and liaise with suppliers.
- Health, Safety & Hygiene Compliance: Enforce the highest standards of food safety (HACCP), kitchen cleanliness, and health & safety regulations. Ensure all team members are trained and compliant, maintaining a 5-star Food Hygiene Rating at all times.
- Training & Staff Development: Act as a mentor to junior team members, identifying training needs and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and skill development within the kitchen brigade.
- Operational Excellence: Oversee daily mise-en-place, manage kitchen workflow efficiently, and troubleshoot any equipment issues promptly to ensure uninterrupted service. Your role is as much about logistics as it is about culinary art.
What We're Looking For in a Candidate
- Proven Experience: A minimum of 2-3 years in a Sous Chef or Senior Chef de Partie role within a fast-paced, quality-focused restaurant, hotel, or high-end catering environment. A solid culinary background is non-negotiable.
- Technical & Leadership Skills: Exceptional knowledge of modern British and international cuisine, butchery, and pastry. Demonstrable leadership ability with a calm, authoritative demeanor under pressure. You must be able to manage a diverse team effectively.
- Qualifications & Compliance: Relevant culinary qualification (NVQ Level 3 or equivalent) and up-to-date Food Hygiene Level 3 certification. A proven track record of passing environmental health inspections with flying colours.
- Mindset & Attitude: A passionate, driven, and resilient professional with an unwavering commitment to quality. You must be flexible, punctual, and possess excellent communication skills to liaise between front-of-house and kitchen teams.
Why Register with Phone Direct for Chef Jobs in Birmingham?
As a trusted recruitment and temporary staffing agency with deep roots in the West Midlands, Phone Direct offers more than just job placements. We build career pathways. Our expertise spans from placing specialist Freelance Chefs in Dartford to supporting complex Building Services Maintenance teams. When you join our candidate network, you gain a dedicated partner.
- Weekly Pay & No Hidden Fees: Get paid reliably every week. We handle all the admin, payroll, and employer obligations.
- Local Market Expertise: Our consultants live and work in Birmingham. We know the best employers, from independent bistros to corporate kitchens.
- Flexible Opportunities: Access a wide range of roles—temporary, part-time, full-time, and temp-to-perm. Perfect if you're testing the waters or seeking permanency.
- Career Support & Advice: From CV tailoring to interview prep, we provide guidance to help you secure the role and advance your career.
Salary, Benefits & How to Apply
Compensation & Perks
We believe in transparent and rewarding partnerships. The pay for this Sous Chef role is highly competitive and will be commensurate with your experience, skills, and the high-pressure, high-reward nature of the establishment.
- Weekly Pay: Never wait for monthly pay again. Funds are transferred directly to your account every week.
- Holiday Pay Accrual: You accrue paid holiday entitlement from your first shift, in line with UK employment law.
- Potential for Permanency: This temporary role has a clear path to a permanent contract for the right candidate who excels.
- Career Development: Gain experience in a top-tier Birmingham B5 kitchen, enhancing your CV and future earning potential.
- Support Network: You have the full backing of Phone Direct's team for any queries or support needed during your assignment.
How to Apply for This Sous Chef Role
The application process is straightforward and designed for speed, as our client is looking to fill this position urgently.
- Submit Your CV: Use the application button on this page or send your CV directly to [email protected]. Ensure your CV highlights your Sous Chef experience, key achievements, and relevant certifications.
- Initial Screening Call: A Phone Direct consultant will contact you for a brief, friendly chat to discuss your experience, availability, and this specific role in Birmingham B5.
- Client Interview: Successful candidates will be fast-tracked to an interview with the kitchen management team. We will fully prepare you for this meeting.
- Offer & Onboarding: Upon a successful interview, we will extend a formal offer and guide you through our swift registration and compliance process for an immediate start.
If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected].
Other Immediate Hospitality & Catering Roles in Birmingham
| Job Title | Location | Pay Rate | Type | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head Chef | Birmingham B2 | £Excellent Salary | Permanent | Apply |
| School Kitchen Porter | Birmingham B6 | £11.50 - £12.50 p/h | Temporary | Apply |
| Pastry Chef de Partie | Birmingham B5 | £13.00 - £14.50 p/h | Temp-to-Perm | Apply |
| Yard Operative | Birmingham B7 | £11.00 - £12.00 p/h | Immediate Start | Apply |
| Office Manager | Birmingham B3 | £30k - £35k FTE | Permanent | Apply |
| Commis Chef | Birmingham B4 | £10.50 - £11.50 p/h | Temp-to-Perm | Apply |
| Hospitality Supervisor | Birmingham B1 | £12.50 - £13.50 p/h | Temporary | Apply |
| Banqueting Chef | Birmingham B5 | £14.00 - £15.50 p/h | Event-Based | Apply |
| Kitchen Assistant | Birmingham B18 | £10.42 - £11.00 p/h | Long-Term Temp | Apply |
| Catering Manager | Birmingham B15 | £28k - £32k | Permanent | Apply |
All pay rates are indicative and subject to experience, specific shift patterns, and client requirements. Learn more about our services.
Frequently Asked Questions (Sous Chef Jobs, Birmingham B5)
Extremely quickly. Our client needs a Sous Chef for an immediate start. The interview process is streamlined. If your CV is a strong match, we can arrange a screening call within 24 hours and a client interview shortly after. For candidates who are compliant and ready, a start within the same week is a realistic target. We pride ourselves on speed, much like our efficient process for filling Remote Customer Support roles in Doncaster.
This position is advertised as a temporary placement, but it has a very strong temp-to-perm potential. The client is using the temporary period to ensure the right cultural and skills fit. For a Sous Chef who integrates seamlessly, demonstrates leadership, and drives kitchen standards, the intention is to offer a permanent contract. This is a common and successful pathway we facilitate for many of our candidates.
You will be working in a modern, well-equipped, and busy kitchen within a reputable establishment in the Birmingham B5 area (Digbeth/City Centre). The cuisine is contemporary British with seasonal influences. The pace is fast, the standards are exceptionally high, and the team is professional. It's an environment that rewards skill, creativity, and a strong work ethic. You will be supported by a full brigade, including School Kitchen Porters and Commis Chefs.
Yes. As a professional Sous Chef, you are expected to provide your own set of well-maintained chef's knives. The kitchen will provide basic equipment, but your personal knives are essential for precision work. Regarding uniform, you will be required to wear a clean, professional chef's jacket, check trousers, and appropriate safety footwear. A full site-specific induction, including uniform policy, will be provided before your start.
Full, ongoing support. You will have a dedicated Phone Direct consultant as your single point of contact. They will handle your weekly timesheets and pay, be available for any queries, and conduct regular check-ins to ensure you are happy and performing well. We act as the bridge between you and the employer, resolving any administrative or logistical issues. Our commitment to candidate care is as strong as our dedication to client service, whether we're placing a Sous Chef or an Office Manager.
Secure Your Next Career Move Today
Don't let this opportunity for a leading Sous Chef role in Birmingham B5 pass you by. With an immediate start, competitive pay, and a clear path to permanency, this is the role to apply for now.
If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected].
Contact Phone Direct – Birmingham
Phone Direct is your local partner for recruitment and temporary staffing across Birmingham and the West Midlands. Whether you're a Sous Chef seeking work or a business looking to hire a Yard Operative, we deliver practical, effective solutions.
Explore our website to learn more about our full range of services or check our Birmingham jobs page for the latest opportunities.
Get in Touch
- Telephone:
- +44 (0) 20 3393 5357
- Email for Applications:
- [email protected]
- Location Focus:
- Birmingham B5, Digbeth, City Centre & Surrounding West Midlands Region
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This job advert is for a genuine Sous Chef vacancy in Birmingham B5. All applications are treated in strict confidence.