Head Chef UK

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

Head Chef upto £17 per hour plus Generous Bonus Scheme and Tronc

Zizzi started in 1999 with a little wine, a big oven, and an even bigger dream to serve Italian, our way. You'll know us for our bubbly pizzas, fresh pasta, and good times. We don't do bland food, people or restaurants.

About The Role

As a Zizzi Head Chef, you are the driving force of our open kitchen. We're looking for someone who can bring energy, food passion, and fun. This isn't just about cooking great food. It's about setting the standard, creating a high-energy kitchen culture and inspiring your team to thrive. You'll partner with your General Manager to take full ownership of food quality and financial results.

What you'll do:

• 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.

What's in it for you:

• Annual performance-linked bonus scheme up to £7000.
• Dedicated Head Chef roadshows, and clear development opportunities
• Access your earned wages whenever you need them with Stream.
• Free meals when you're on shift, and 50% off when you aren't.
• 24/7 Virtual GP and Employee Assistance Program.
• Discounts on travel, cinema, and top brands.

What we're looking for:

• 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.

Why you'll fit right in:

We want you leading 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 (all about working conditions, salary, potential for development and company image).