Assistant Head Chef - UK

Zizzi Ristorante; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A popular restaurant chain in Gateshead is looking for an experienced Assistant Head Chef to manage kitchen operations in the absence of the head chef. You will lead a team, ensure exceptional food quality, and maintain cleanliness and adherence to policies. This position offers up to £13.75 per hour, benefits, and opportunities for career development in a supportive environment.

Benefits

50% off meals at Zizzi & ASK Italian

Free & discounted meals on shift

Wagestream for instant wage access

Discounts on cinema tickets and travel

Employee Assistance Programme

28 days holiday (pro rata)

Company pension contributions

Qualifications

• Ability to run the kitchen in the head chef's absence.
• Passion for food and understanding of menu specs.
• Experience in leading a kitchen team.

Responsibilities

• Run the kitchen while the head chef is away.
• Plan shifts and delegate duties to the team.
• Ensure quality and presentation of food.
• Maintain cleanliness and adherence to policies.

Skills

Leadership

Passion for food

Kitchen management

Team collaboration

Job description

Assistant Head Chef - UK

Employer
Zizzi

Location
Gateshead

Salary
£13.00 Per Hour + Benefits, Tronc, Service Charge & Tips

Closing date
1 Jan 2026

Job Type
Chef, Head Chef

Sector
Restaurants

Contract Type
Full Time

Job Details

Calling all Pizza lovers!!.......(Pasta lovers are welcome too)

Assistant Head Chef up to £13.75 per hour plus Tronc and Benefits

As Assistant Head Chef you will be a senior part of the kitchen team. Having the ability to run the kitchen in the head chef's absence. Understanding the need for great leadership and having an unparalleled passion for food.

What you'll get:

• Treat yourself and your friends with 50% Zizzi & ASK Italian (drinks included)
• Never go hungry with free & heavily discounted menu on shift
• Wagestream available to instantly access earned wages
• Make the most of your time off work with discounts on cinema tickets, travel websites and big brands available
• Stay in touch with what's going on with our online Zizzi community that also provides access to your rotas and payslips
• Need some support? We have a free Employee Assistance Programme with access to GPs and wellbeing support
• Time for a break with 28 days holiday (pro rata)
• Plenty of opportunity to develop and progress your career if that's what you want
• Plan for the future with Company pension contributions
• Look the part with Zizzi branded T-Shirts and aprons provided

What will you be doing?

• Stepping into the Head Chef's shoes whilst they're away, running the kitchen and leading the team to deliver exceptional food, whilst ensuring maximum profitability.
• Be passionate about our food, knowing the menu and our specs inside out, be able to work across any section, and sharing this passion with your team.
• Planning for shifts, making sure the right level of food is prepared, and delegating duties to the team.
• Working with the whole restaurant team to help deliver Great Times for our customers and taking absolute pride in the presentation and quality of food from your kitchen.
• Making sure the restaurant and kitchen is looking fabulous at all times, hitting the mark set out in our policies, processes and guidelines, and that your team are doing the same.

Our Values

• Growth: You aim to be better than yesterday. We’re on a constant journey to be better, so we seek growth as a team, in our business and in the ways we contribute to the world.
• Individuality: You celebrate the differences. We take pride in what makes us special, and encourage everyone to be the best version of themselves whoever they are.
• Drive: You make it happen. We adapt to the challenges of today, avoiding cutting corners, and motivate everyone to strive for more.
• Togetherness: You want to be part of more. We always have each other's backs, embracing the challenges as much as the great times.
• Fun: You enjoy the everyday. As much as we take our goals seriously, we don't take ourselves seriously.

About Zizzi

We are Zizzi. At Zizzi we are a family. It's never me, always we. Customers included.

Benefits

• Company Bonus Scheme (for GM's & HC's)
• Get rewarded by your customers with a generous tronc system
• Company pension contributions