Chef

Bella Italia; West Oxfordshire; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly pay

Discounts on food & drink

Flexible contracts

Referral bonus

Career development

Wellbeing support

Free meals on shift

Job summary

Bella Italia is hiring a Chef to join our kitchen team. You will help organise and deliver service across sections, work with the team to create dishes to spec, and support kitchen assistants in a fast-paced environment.

We value enthusiasm, teamwork, and a hands-on approach. The role offers flexible contracts and opportunities to grow within the Bella Italia family.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a busy kitchen environment.
• Able to work as part of a close-knit team.
• Willingness to learn and develop skills.

Responsibilities

• Organise, coordinate, and deliver service across one or more sections in our fast-paced kitchen.
• Work closely with the kitchen team to produce delicious dishes to specification.
• Support and guide kitchen assistants and porters.
• Ensuring your section is prepped and organized for service.
• Maintain a spotless kitchen, ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

Skills

Teamwork

Fast-paced environment

Food preparation

Adaptability

Job description

At Bella Italia, we believe the best moments in life are spent with loved ones sharing food, friendship, laughter, and the joy of the Italian table. If you’re passionate about great food and ready to bring energy and creativity to the kitchen, this job has you written all over it!

Come and be part of our family as a Chef.

Why Join Bella?

We know that happy teams create the best experiences, so we offer:

• Hourly pay and opportunity to earn Tronc.
• Amazing Discounts – 50% off food and drink across all Big Table Group brands and 25% for friends & family.
• Flexible Working – Negotiable contracts to suit your lifestyle.
• Referral Bonus – Get rewarded for bringing great people on board!
• Career Growth – Fully funded Production Chef Level 2 apprenticeships and development programs
• Wellbeing & Support – Our Employee Assistance Programme includes a 24/7 virtual GP, mental health support, healthcare cash plan, dental plan, counselling, fitness & diet plans.
• Perks & Rewards – Free meals on shift, referral bonuses, access to wages before payday, discounted gym memberships, and exclusive savings on theme parks, shopping, and more!
• Team Celebrations – Competitions, team parties, and even a chance to win e-points to spend on your favourite retailers

What You’ll Do as a Chef:

• Organise, coordinate, and deliver service across one or more sections in our fast-paced kitchen.
• Work closely with the kitchen team to produce delicious dishes to specification.
• Support and guide kitchen assistants and porters
• Ensuring your section is prepped and organized for service
• Maintain a spotless kitchen, ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness and hygiene.

Who We’re Looking For:

If you love food, enjoy working as part of a close‑knit team, and thrive in a fast‑paced kitchen environment, you could be exactly who we’re looking for.

At Bella Italia, our kitchens are the heartbeat of the restaurant. From prepping fresh ingredients to cooking dishes our guests love, you’ll play a key role in delivering great food, every time. You’ll be part of a supportive, friendly team where you can learn new skills, build confidence, and take pride in what you do.

We’re proud to be an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the hiring process, just let us know – we’re always happy to help.

Thinking about using AI tools for your application? They can help you get started, but what really stands out to us is you – your enthusiasm, teamwork, and willingness to get stuck in.

What’s the process?
Application → CV review → interview → offer and onboarding

You don’t need loads of experience – just a genuine love for food, a positive attitude, and a great team mindset. If you enjoy working behind the scenes to create something special on the plate, we’d love to welcome you into the Bella Italia kitchen.

Join the Bella Italia family today and work somewhere awesome! Don’t just take our word for it we’re proud to be named in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026.