Assistant Head Chef / Sous Chef

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

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Minimum-hour contract

Earned wage access

Free meals

GP & EAP

Discounts

Job summary

Zizzi in Lincoln is seeking an Assistant Head Chef to lead shifts, run the pass, and inspire the team during busy service. You’ll work alongside the Head Chef, manage stock, labour, and food safety, and coach junior chefs to maintain exceptional standards.

This role offers a clear path to Head Chef, flexible hours, and staff benefits including meals, Stream wage access, and more. Join a dynamic team in a fast-paced environment where your leadership and passion for Italian cuisine can shine.

Qualifications

• Experience as Sous Chef or higher in busy environments.
• Passion for Italian cuisine and consistent results.
• Ability to lead a team and manage competing priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen and run the pass in Head Chef’s absence.
• Ensure service is fast, flawless, and on point.
• Deliver high-quality dishes with consistent presentation.
• Manage stock, labour, prep, and cost controls.
• Coach and develop junior chefs and uphold safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Team motivation

High-volume service

Food safety

Stock management

Labour control

Calm under pressure

Job description

Our story:

Zizzi started in 1999 with one oven and a big dream of doing Italian food, our way. We don’t do bland food, people or restaurants. You'll know us for bubbly pizza, fresh pasta, and good times.

About the role:

As an Assistant Head Chef, you have a vital leadership role in our open kitchen. Partnering with the Head Chef, you’ll step up to lead shifts, run the pass, and inspire the team during high-volume rushes. We're looking for someone hands‑on who can balance a buzzing restaurant floor with our fast‑paced out‑of‑restaurant delivery channels. If you have the drive to step up, we’ll give you the platform to grow.

What you’ll do:

• 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.

What’s in it for you:

• Career development opportunities to fast‑track your career to Head Chef.
• Flexible hours and the guaranteed stability of a minimum‑hour contract.
• Access your earned wages whenever you need them with Stream.
• Free meals when you're on shift, and 50% off when you aren't.
• 24/7 Virtual GP and Employee Assistance Program.
• Discounts on travel, cinema, and big brands

What we’re looking for:

• 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.

Why you’ll fit right in:

We want you in the kitchen, as you are, from day 1. We love individuality - bold tattoos, bad singing, big laugh, brave choices. We're a Times Top 500 Employer because we celebrate everyone's differences. While we're on that, we're also the only Italian restaurant in the FT's UK’s Best Employers 2026 Special Report (for working conditions, salary, potential for development and company image).