Assistant Head Chef — Lead Shifts in Busy Italian Kitchen

Zizzi Restaurants; Exeter; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals on shift

50% off when not on shift

Travel discounts

Job summary

Zizzi Restaurants is seeking an Assistant Head Chef in Exeter to lead shifts, work with the Head Chef, and inspire the kitchen team in a fast-paced environment. The role balances kitchen leadership with open kitchen service and delivery channel demands.

You will help maintain high quality and consistency, develop staff, and ensure safety and cleanliness across all service periods, including evenings and weekends.

Qualifications

• Experience as Sous Chef, Junior Sous, or Senior Chef in a high-volume, fast-paced kitchen.
• Love of Italian food with high standards and consistency.
• Confident leader who can run a shift and motivate a team.
• Ability to stay calm and organised during peak times, including evenings, weekends and holidays.
• Strong 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.

Skills

Leadership

Fast-paced environment

Italian cuisine

Stock management

Food safety

Job description

Zizzi Restaurants is seeking an Assistant Head Chef in Exeter to lead shifts, work with the Head Chef, and inspire the kitchen team in a fast-paced environment. The role balances kitchen leadership with open kitchen service and delivery channel demands.

You will help maintain high quality and consistency, develop staff, and ensure safety and cleanliness across all service periods, including evenings and weekends.