Designate Head Chef

Bella Italia; Chipping Norton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Bella Italia is seeking a Designate Head Chef to lead our kitchen team while ensuring a high standard of food and guest experience. The ideal candidate will be passionate about food, a strong communicator, and committed to developing a nurturing team environment. With a competitive package and career growth opportunities, join us in a vibrant workplace celebrated in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025.

Benefits

50% off food and drink across all brands

Fully funded apprenticeships in Hospitality Management

Access to wages before payday

Discounted gym memberships

Qualifications

• Strong communicator, passionate about food.
• Thrives in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in leading and developing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the guest experience ensuring dish perfection.
• Maintain high hygiene standards in the kitchen.
• Work with management to achieve restaurant goals.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Adaptability

Job description

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At Bella Italia, we believe that the best moments in life
are spent with loved ones—sharing food, friendship, laughter, and the joy of
the Italian table. If you have a passion for pizza, pasta, and leading a
fantastic team, then this is the job for you! Come and be part of the Bella
Italia family as a Designate Head Chef.

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

• A Place for Everyone – We celebrate
  individuality and believe our differences make us stronger. Whoever you are, if
  you bring passion and leadership, there’s a place for you in our kitchen!
• A Competitive Package – 45-hour contract,
  quarterly bonus, and referral bonus scheme.
• Amazing Discounts – 50% off food and drink
  across all Big Table Group brands and 25% for friends & family.
• Career Growth – Fully funded apprenticeships in
  Hospitality Management (Level 4), L&D, HR, or Marketing (Levels 3, 4, &
  5).
• Wellbeing
  & Support – Our We Care program includes a 24/7 virtual GP, mental health
  support, a second medical opinion service, and more.
• Perks & Rewards – Access to wages before
  payday, discounted gym memberships, and savings on theme parks, shopping, and
  more!
• Team
  Competitions & Events – Win a trip to Italy, team parties, and even a
  chance to win e-points to spend on your favourite retailers.

What You’ll Do as a Designate Head Chef:

• Work closely with the management team to achieve
  restaurant goals.
• Adaptable and flexible, happy to work across different locations based on business needs
• Lead the guest experience by ensuring every dish
  is cooked to perfection.
• Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness
  and kitchen hygiene.
• Create a fun, motivating team environment, with
  a focus on developing and nurturing talent.
• Be commercially minded—analysing profit &
  loss accounts to make strong financial decisions and drive efficiency.

Who We’re Looking For:

At Bella Italia, we don’t just look for experience—we look
for leaders. If you’re a strong communicator, passionate about food and developing
people and thrive in a fast-paced environment, we want to hear from you.

At Bella Italia, everyone is welcome. We are committed to
creating a workplace where you can be yourself and thrive. If you need any
adjustments during the hiring process, just let us know—we’re happy to help.

Join the Bella Italia family today and work somewhere awesome! Don’t just take our word for it—we’ve been recognised in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025!

Apply now and bring your leadership to the Bella Italia
kitchen!