Entry Level Chef - UK

Zizzi; Braintree; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals

Staff discount

Earned wage access

Discounts on leisure

Virtual GP

Career progression

Job summary

Zizzi is hiring an Entry Level Chef in the United Kingdom. No prior kitchen experience is required as you will be trained to stretch dough, cook pasta al dente, and work in our open kitchen with a focused, energetic team.

You will start at £12.71 per hour plus tronc and other benefits, with flexible hours and opportunities to grow into Chef and Head Chef roles within a vibrant Italian kitchen.

Qualifications

• This is an entry-level chef role; no kitchen experience needed.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn are essential.
• Reliable team player with high energy.
• Love for Italian ingredients is helpful.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook menu items to spec in a busy open kitchen.
• Maintain high quality and consistency of each dish.
• Master menu and specs to ensure fast, smooth service during busy periods.
• Follow all food safety procedures to the highest standard.
• Collaborate with the team to keep the kitchen running smoothly and energetically.

Skills

Willingness to learn

Team player

Positive attitude

Love for Italian ingredients

Job description

Entry Level Chef £12.71 per hour plus tronc and benefits

Our story:

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

About the role:

As a Trainee Chef, you'll get to learn how to stretch dough and make perfect al dente pasta in our open kitchen. You don't need any previous chef experience - we'll teach you the skills to build a kitchen career. We're looking for a team player ready to learn, with a great attitude, and a love for food.

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 to ensure 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:

• Flexible hours and the guaranteed stability of a minimum-hour contract.
• 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 Chef, then even to Head Chef.

What we're looking for:

• This is an entry-level chef role, so you don't need any kitchen experience. Just a positive attitude, a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn.
• A love for Italian ingredients and a genuine desire to master the Zizzi menu.
• A reliable team player who stays calm when things get busy
• 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).