Assistant Head Chef | Lead a Fast-Paced Italian Kitchen

Zizzi; Seaford; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals on shift

50% off meals

Earned wages access

Virtual GP

Employee Assistance Program

Discounts (travel, cinema, brands)

Flexible hours

Minimum-hour contract

Job summary

Zizzi is seeking an Assistant Head Chef in the United Kingdom to lead shifts, run the pass in the Head Chef’s absence, and inspire the kitchen team during busy periods. You will balance restaurant demand with delivery channels, ensuring outstanding Italian cuisine and strong team performance.

You’ll drive quality, consistency, and safety while coaching junior chefs and maintaining cost controls. This is a hands-on role with growth potential within a fast-paced, customer-focused brand.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Sous Chef, Junior Sous, or Senior Chef in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Love of Italian food, consistency and high standards.
• Confident leader who can run a shift and motivate a team.
• Ability to stay calm, organized, and guide the team during busiest times (evenings, weekends, holidays).
• Solid understanding of kitchen operations: stock management, wastage, and labour control.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen and run the pass in the Head Chef’s absence, keeping service flawless, fast, and on point.
• Deliver exceptional food quality and consistency for dine-in and delivery orders.
• Support management by hitting kitchen performance metrics with stock, labour, prep, and cost control.
• Coach and develop junior chefs, sharing skills to build confidence and team spirit.
• Act as a role model for safety, ensuring cleanliness, compliance, and food safety.

Skills

Team leadership

Kitchen management

High-volume cooking

Job description

Zizzi is seeking an Assistant Head Chef in the United Kingdom to lead shifts, run the pass in the Head Chef’s absence, and inspire the kitchen team during busy periods. You will balance restaurant demand with delivery channels, ensuring outstanding Italian cuisine and strong team performance.

You’ll drive quality, consistency, and safety while coaching junior chefs and maintaining cost controls. This is a hands-on role with growth potential within a fast-paced, customer-focused brand.