Assistant Head Chef – Lead High-Volume Italian Kitchen

Zizzi; Newbury; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Earned wage access

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 in the United Kingdom is seeking an Assistant Head Chef to lead shifts, run the pass, and inspire a team in our fast-paced open kitchen. You’ll work closely with the Head Chef to balance high-volume dine-in service with delivery channels, driving Italian food standards and team energy.

You will coach junior chefs, manage stock and labour, and ensure cost-efficient operations while maintaining food safety and consistency across all orders.

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 and organised during busiest times, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• 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 delivery orders.
• Support the management team by hitting kitchen performance metrics with stock, labour, and cost control.
• Coach and develop junior chefs, sharing your skills to build confidence and team spirit.
• Act as a role model for safety, ensuring kitchen cleanliness and food safety are always spot on.

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen management

High-volume service

Team coaching

Job description

Zizzi in the United Kingdom is seeking an Assistant Head Chef to lead shifts, run the pass, and inspire a team in our fast-paced open kitchen. You’ll work closely with the Head Chef to balance high-volume dine-in service with delivery channels, driving Italian food standards and team energy.

You will coach junior chefs, manage stock and labour, and ensure cost-efficient operations while maintaining food safety and consistency across all orders.