Head Chef - High-Volume Italian Kitchen + Performance Bonus

Zizzi Restaurants; St Albans; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Earned wage access

Free meals

Meal discounts

Virtual GP

Employee assistance

Job summary

Zizzi Restaurants in the United Kingdom is seeking a Head Chef for our busy kitchen. You will lead the team, partner with the General Manager to own food quality and financial results, and drive a high-energy kitchen culture.

This role demands leadership, passion for Italian cuisine, cost control, and the ability to manage multiple channels including delivery and dine-in. Generous bonus scheme, earned wage access, and free meals accompany the opportunity.

Qualifications

• High standards and a passion for Italian food.
• Proven leadership experience running a team, as a Head Chef or strong Sous Chef in a high-volume, multi-channel kitchen.
• Proven experience in managing costs, stock control, and labour budgets.
• The ability to stay calm, organised, and ready to lead from the front during our busiest times, including evenings, weekends and holiday periods.
• A people person who can motivate, coach, and develop their team.
• An uncompromising eye for consistency, kitchen cleanliness, and food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead your kitchen team to deliver exceptional food quality - every plate, every service.
• Flawlessly manage our high-volume out-of-restaurant delivery channels alongside a busy dine-in restaurant.
• Recruit, train, and develop a motivated team, sharing your knowledge to help your chefs grow and succeed.
• Act as a role model for safety, ensuring kitchen cleanliness, compliance, and food safety are always spot on.
• Take full ownership of kitchen performance, mastering your food costs, labour, and service metrics to be better than yesterday.
• Work closely with your General Manager to drive commercial results and create a standout restaurant experience.

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen management

Food safety

Cost control

Team development

Italian cuisine

Job description

Zizzi Restaurants in the United Kingdom is seeking a Head Chef for our busy kitchen. You will lead the team, partner with the General Manager to own food quality and financial results, and drive a high-energy kitchen culture.

This role demands leadership, passion for Italian cuisine, cost control, and the ability to manage multiple channels including delivery and dine-in. Generous bonus scheme, earned wage access, and free meals accompany the opportunity.