Assistant Head Chef — Lead a High-Volume Italian Kitchen

Zizzi; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Earned wage access (Stream)

Free meals on shift

50% off when not on shift

24/7 Virtual GP

Employee Assistance Program

Discounts on travel, cinema and brands

Job summary

Zizzi Maidstone is seeking an Assistant Head Chef to lead shifts and run the pass in partnership with the Head Chef. You will inspire the team, ensure fast, flawless service, and maintain the highest standards of Italian cuisine across dine-in and delivery orders.

We are looking for hands-on leaders who can balance a busy kitchen with fast-paced delivery channels, while coaching junior chefs and driving stock, labour, and cost control.

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.
• Calm, organized and able to guide the team during busy times including evenings, weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen and run the pass in the Head Chef's absence, keeping service flawless and on point.
• Deliver exceptional food quality and consistent results across dine-in and delivery orders.
• Support management by hitting kitchen performance metrics: stock, labour, prep, and cost control.
• Coach and develop junior chefs to build confidence and team spirit.
• Ensure kitchen cleanliness, safety, and compliance are maintained.

Skills

Leadership

Shift management

Team motivation

Food quality

Kitchen operations

Stock management

Labour control

Food safety

Job description

Zizzi Maidstone is seeking an Assistant Head Chef to lead shifts and run the pass in partnership with the Head Chef. You will inspire the team, ensure fast, flawless service, and maintain the highest standards of Italian cuisine across dine-in and delivery orders.

We are looking for hands-on leaders who can balance a busy kitchen with fast-paced delivery channels, while coaching junior chefs and driving stock, labour, and cost control.