Assistant Head Chef - Lead Fast-Paced Italian Kitchen

Zizzi Restaurants; Chester; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 19,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals on shift

50% off meals off shift

Travel discounts

Cinema discounts

Brand discounts

Career development

Job summary

Zizzi Restaurants in the United Kingdom is seeking an Assistant Head Chef to lead shifts, run the pass and drive high‑volume service with passion for Italian food. You will work closely with the Head Chef, coaching junior chefs and ensuring food quality, safety and cost controls.

You'll benefit from flexible hours, a minimum-hour contract, free meals on shift and generous staff discounts. This role offers a clear path to Head Chef and ongoing development within a Times Top 500 Employer.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Sous Chef, Junior Sous, or Senior Chef in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• A love of Italian food, consistency, and high standards.
• A confident leader who can run a shift and motivate a team.
• The ability to stay calm, organised, and ready to guide the team during our busiest times, including evenings, weekends and holiday periods.
• A solid understanding of kitchen operations, including 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 picture-perfect consistency across dine-in and out-of-restaurant delivery orders.
• Support the management team by hitting kitchen performance metrics with stock, labour, managing prep, and cost control.
• Coach and develop junior chefs, sharing your skills to build confidence, talent, and team spirit.
• Act as a role model for safety, ensuring kitchen cleanliness, compliance, and food safety are always spot on.

Job description

Zizzi Restaurants in the United Kingdom is seeking an Assistant Head Chef to lead shifts, run the pass and drive high‑volume service with passion for Italian food. You will work closely with the Head Chef, coaching junior chefs and ensuring food quality, safety and cost controls.

You'll benefit from flexible hours, a minimum-hour contract, free meals on shift and generous staff discounts. This role offers a clear path to Head Chef and ongoing development within a Times Top 500 Employer.