Chef / Pizza Chef

Zizzi; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals on shift

50% off meals off shift

Earned wage access via Stream

Travel discounts

Cinema discounts

24/7 Virtual GP

Employee Assistance Program

Career development opportunities

Flexible hours

Minimum-hour contract

Job summary

Zizzi in Maidstone is seeking an experienced Chef for our open kitchen, where you’ll stretch dough, perfect al dente pasta, and craft plates with speed and care. You’ll work in a high-energy environment, delivering consistent quality and maintaining standards under pressure.

You’ll join a team that values energy, collaboration, and pride in every dish, with opportunities to grow toward Head Chef while enjoying flexible hours and staff perks.

Qualifications

• Some kitchen experience in a similar role or fast-paced kitchen.
• A love for Italian ingredients and a genuine desire to master the Zizzi menu.
• Positive energy for a busy, high-energy environment.
• Reliable and available for evenings, weekends, and busy holiday periods.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook our menu to spec in a busy, high-energy open kitchen.
• Take pride in the quality of every dish that leaves your section.
• Master the menu and specs to keep service fast and consistent.
• Maintain a spotless kitchen and follow all food safety procedures.
• Work closely with your team to keep the kitchen running smoothly.

Skills

Kitchen experience

Italian ingredients

Positive energy

Evenings weekends availability

Job description

Our story:

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

About the role:

As an experienced Chef, you are the heart of our open kitchen. From stretching dough to perfecting al dente pasta, you make the magic happen. We're looking for a team player who thrives under pressure and keeps standards high. This isn't just Back of House - it's a high-energy, hands-on role where your skill and speed ensure every plate is perfect.

What you’ll do:

• Prepare and cook our menu to spec in a busy, high-energy open kitchen where our guests can see the magic happen.
• Take absolute pride in the quality of every dish that leaves your section, ensuring it turns heads every time.
• Master our menu and specs inside and out so service remains fast and consistent during busy rushes.
• Maintain a spotless kitchen and follow all food safety procedures to the highest standard.
• Work closely with the rest of your team to keep the kitchen running smoothly and the energy high.

What’s in it for you:

• Free meals when you're on shift, and 50% off when you aren't.
• Access your earned wages whenever you need them with Stream.
• Discounts on travel, cinema, and top brands.
• 24/7 Virtual GP and Employee Assistance Program.
• Career development opportunities. We’ll help you grow to Assistant Head Chef, then even to Head Chef.
• Flexible hours and the guaranteed stability of aminimum-hour contract.

What we're looking for:

• Some kitchen experience in a similar role or fast-paced kitchen.
• A love for Italian ingredients and a genuine desire to master the Zizzi menu.
• Positive energy for a busy, high-energy environment.
• Reliable and available for evenings, weekends, and busy holiday periods.

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).