Hourly Sous Chef

Bella Italia; Croydon; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hourly pay with Tronc

50% off food and drink across BigTable

25% for friends & family

Career development programs

Wellbeing support

Access wages before payday

Discounted gym memberships

Entertainment discounts

Team celebrations

Job summary

Bella Italia Croydon is recruiting a Sous Chef to lead a busy kitchen, create starters through to desserts, and deliver consistent quality every service.

You will work as part of a team, manage pace and energy, ensure safety and hygiene, and guide junior chefs with coaching and feedback.

We offer hourly pay with Tronc, generous discounts across Big Table Group brands, funded development programs, wellbeing support, and perks that help you grow with us.

Qualifications

• Experience in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Ability to lead a team under pressure and manage service.
• Strong commitment to high food safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Create a wide range of dishes from starters to desserts with consistent quality.
• Work as a team to maintain pace and energy in the kitchen.
• Ensure safety and hygiene are maintained at all times.
• Communicate clearly and stay organised to keep the kitchen running smoothly under pressure.
• Guide and mentor junior chefs to develop skills and grow.

Skills

Teamwork

Food safety

Kitchen leadership

Mentoring juniors

Job description

At Bella Italia, we believe the best moments in life arespent sharing food, friendship, laughter, and the joy of the Italian table. Ifyou have a passion for pizza and pasta, this is the job for you!

Come and be part of the Bella Italia family as a SousChef!

Why Join Bella?

We know that happy teams create great guest experiences, sowe offer:

• Hourly pay and opportunity to earn Tronc.
• Amazing Discounts – 50% off food and drinkacross all Big Table Group brands and 25% for friends & family.
• Career Growth – Fully funded Production ChefLevel 3 apprenticeships and development programs.
• Wellbeing & Support – Our Employee Assistance Programme includes a 24/7 virtual GP, mental health support, healthcare cash plan, dental plan, counselling, fitness & diet plans.
• Perks & Rewards – Access wages beforepayday, salary finance support, discounted gym memberships, and savings ontheme parks, shopping, and entertainment.
• Team Celebrations – Competitions, team parties,and even a chance to win e-points to spend on your favourite retailers

As a Sous Chef, you will:

• Create a wide range of dishes – From starters todesserts, delivering quality every time.
• Work as a team – Keep up the pace and energy inthe kitchen.
• Ensuresafety & hygiene – Always maintaining the highest food safety standards.
• Communicate & stay organised – Keep thekitchen running smoothly under pressure.
• Guide & mentor junior chefs – Share yourskills and help the team develop & grow.

Who We’re Looking For:

If you love food, enjoy working as part of a close‑knit team, and thrive in a fast‑paced kitchen environment, you could be exactly who we’re looking for.

At Bella Italia, our kitchens are the heartbeat of the restaurant. From prepping fresh ingredients to cooking dishes our guests love, you’ll play a key role in delivering great food, every time. You’ll be part of a supportive, friendly team where you can learn new skills, lead our teams, and take pride in what you do.

We’re proud to be an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the hiring process, just let us know – we’re always happy to help.

Thinking about using AI tools for your application? They can help you get started, but what really stands out to us is you – your enthusiasm, teamwork, and willingness to get stuck in.

What’s the process?

Application → CV review → interview → offer and onboarding

If you have a genuine love for food, a positive attitude, and a great team mindset. If you enjoy working behind the scenes to create something special on the plate, we’d love to welcome you into the Bella Italia kitchen.

Join the Bella Italia family today and work somewhere awesome! Don’t just take our word for it we’re proud to be named in The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026.