Assistant Head Chef: Lead High-Volume Italian Kitchen

Zizzi Ristorante; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career development opportunities to x

Flexible hours

Earned wage access

Free meals on shift

50% off when off shift

24/7 Virtual GP

Employee Assistance Program

Discounts on travel, cinema, brands

Job summary

Zizzi Ristorante in Maidstone is seeking an Assistant Head Chef to lead and inspire our open kitchen during busy periods. You will partner with the Head Chef to run shifts, maintain high standards, and deliver top-quality dishes for dine-in and delivery channels.

You will balance fast-paced service with safety and cost controls, coaching junior chefs and ensuring consistent results even at peak times. This is a hands-on leadership role with growth opportunities toward Head Chef.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in a busy kitchen.
• Strong understanding of food safety and HACCP.
• Proven ability to manage stock and labour efficiently.

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.

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen management

Food safety

Team coaching

Stock control

Cost management

Job description

Zizzi Ristorante in Maidstone is seeking an Assistant Head Chef to lead and inspire our open kitchen during busy periods. You will partner with the Head Chef to run shifts, maintain high standards, and deliver top-quality dishes for dine-in and delivery channels.

You will balance fast-paced service with safety and cost controls, coaching junior chefs and ensuring consistent results even at peak times. This is a hands-on leadership role with growth opportunities toward Head Chef.