Head Chef - Lewes

ASK Italian Restaurants Limited; Lewes; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Training

Generous Discounts on meals

Excellent bonus potential

Free meals on shift

Paid holidays

Pension contributions

Christmas Day Off

Employee Hub

Early wage access

Well-being and GP support

Lifestyle discounts

Community volunteering

Welcoming team environment

Job summary

ASK Italian Lewes is seeking a Head Chef to lead kitchen operations, inspire the team, and deliver high-quality Italian dishes in a fast-paced environment. This role combines creative cooking with people leadership to drive exceptional service.

Salary starts from £14.50 per hour with an average £1.50 tron, plus bonus and benefits; annual pay up to £37,440. Based in Lewes, East Sussex, this full-time opportunity includes comprehensive training, meals on shift, generous holidays, and a supportive

Qualifications

• Head Chef/Kitchen Manager experience
• Passion for Italian cuisine and team leadership
• Ability to lead in a fast-paced environment

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Food preparation

Hospitality

Customer service

Job description

Head Chef - Lewes

Employer

ASK Italian

Location

Lewes, East Sussex

Salary

From £ 14.50 per hour, plus £ 1.50 per hour tronc average.

Closing date

15 Oct 2026

Sector

• Chef jobs
• Chef de Partie
• Executive Chef
• Head Chef

Job Type

• Full Time
• Part Time

Job Details

Head Chef - Lewes

Role: Head Chef / Kitchen Manager

Pay: From 16.00 per hour / 37,440 pa, including benefits, plus bonus.

Hourly Rate breakdown:

From 14.50 per hour, plus 1.50 per hour tronc average.

At ASK Italian, our people are the heart of our restaurants. ASK Factor is our philosophy, who we are, and showcases our inclusive and full-hearted personality. We're a diverse group of individuals, brought together by our shared passion for delivering excellent food and service.

We support everyone in their own journey, and value each person's unique background and experience to create our incredible ASK Italian teams!

We live and breathe the ASK Factor and use its core values to guide everything we do:

• Heartfelt: We love what we do and believe in what we say.
• Respectful: We care about how we make people feel and our impact on the world around us.
• Generous: We'll go that extra mile to make a difference.
• Spirited: We're determined, always moving forward to be the best we can be.

As a Head Chef at ASK Italian, you'll receive:

• Comprehensive Training: Full training and career development opportunities available through our award-winning Journey programme.
• Generous Discounts: 50% off at ASK Italian and Zizzi restaurants, including drinks.
• Excellent bonus potential
• Free Meals: Enjoy complimentary meals on shift, with access to a discounted menu.
• Inclusive Dress Code Policy: Part dress code provided, including shoes.
• Paid Holidays: 28 days paid holiday, pro-rata.
• Pension Contributions
• Christmas Day Off: Our restaurants are closed, giving you the freedom to celebrate as you choose.
• Employee Hub: Access to our online platform where you can manage your schedule, request holidays, and access various benefits, including:
• Early wage access through Stream
• Well-being and GP support for you and your family
• Discounts on lifestyle brands, including gyms, cinemas, and travel
• Community Volunteering: 1 paid day per year to volunteer in your local food bank.
• A Welcoming Team Environment: Be part of a team that values collaboration, inclusivity, and mutual respect. Create memorable experiences and make friends for life.

What We Ask of You: As an ASK Italian Head Chef, we value:

• Passion: A love for people, diverse cultures, food, and all things Italian, with a passion for growing sales and leading a fantastic team.
• Hospitality: A welcoming attitude, making every customer and Team Member feel at home.
• Teamwork: The ability to lead a team and work well in a fast-paced environment, with attention to detail and a commitment to excellent food, service, standards and team development.
• Behaviour: The desire to lead and work collaboratively with the General Manager and Back of House team with a passion for delivering consistently high standards across all areas of the restaurant, demonstrating empathy, respect, and a dedication to delivering exceptional food and service to all customers.

Join Us: At ASK Italian

We embrace diversity and inclusivity wholeheartedly. We invite individuals from all backgrounds to join our vibrant team and play a role in our shared achievements. If you're ready to thrive in a dynamic and supportive workplace, we'd love to welcome you aboard!