Chef/Pizza Chef

Zizzi Restaurants; Whitstable; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals on shift

Earned wage access

Discounts on travel and brands

Virtual GP

Career development

Flexible hours

Job summary

Zizzi Restaurants in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Chef to be the heart of our open kitchen, turning dough into perfect pasta and plates that wow guests.

You’ll work in a high-energy, fast-paced environment, collaborate with the team, and maintain the highest standards of quality and food safety. This role offers a minimum-hour contract with a rate of £13.15 per hour plus tronc and benefits, with evenings, weekends and holiday shifts required.

Qualifications

• Some kitchen experience in a similar role or fast-paced kitchen.
• A love for Italian ingredients and a desire to master the Zizzi menu.
• Available for evenings, weekends and busy holiday periods.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook menu items to spec in a busy open kitchen.
• Maintain high standards of quality and food safety.
• Work closely with the team to keep the kitchen running smoothly.
• Ensure every dish leaves the section presentable and consistent.
• Support other kitchen sections during peak times.

Skills

Kitchen experience

Energy

Reliability

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.

Chef £13.15 per hour plus tronc and benefits

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).