Assistant Head Chef: Lead Shifts, Perfect Italian Kitchen

Zizzi; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals on shift

Earned wage access via Stream

24/7 Virtual GP

Employee Assistance Program

Discounts on travel, cinema, brands

Job summary

Zizzi is seeking an Assistant Head Chef to lead our open kitchen and partner with the Head Chef. You’ll step up to run shifts, manage the pass, and inspire the team during busy periods.

We value hands-on leaders who can balance the restaurant floor with quick-thinking for delivery channels. You will develop junior chefs, ensure food quality and consistency across dine-in and delivery orders, and drive stock and labour efficiency while maintaining safety and cleanliness standards.

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.
• Ability to stay calm and organised during peak times, including evenings, weekends and holiday periods.
• Solid understanding of kitchen operations, including stock management and labour control.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen and run the pass in the Head Chef’s absence, ensuring flawless service.
• Deliver exceptional food quality and consistency for dine-in and delivery orders.
• Support management by hitting kitchen KPIs such as stock, labour, prep and cost control.
• Coach and develop junior chefs to build confidence, talent and team spirit.
• Act as a role model for safety, cleanliness and food safety.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

High-volume service

Italian cuisine

Job description

Zizzi is seeking an Assistant Head Chef to lead our open kitchen and partner with the Head Chef. You’ll step up to run shifts, manage the pass, and inspire the team during busy periods.

We value hands-on leaders who can balance the restaurant floor with quick-thinking for delivery channels. You will develop junior chefs, ensure food quality and consistency across dine-in and delivery orders, and drive stock and labour efficiency while maintaining safety and cleanliness standards.