Italian Kitchen Lead: Assistant Head Chef (Shift Lead)

Zizzi Restaurants; Inverness; On-site; GBP 16,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals on shift

50% off when not on shift

Travel discounts

Cinema discounts

Brand discounts

Job summary

Zizzi Restaurants is seeking an Assistant Head Chef to lead shifts, run the pass, and mentor a team in a fast-paced kitchen. You will balance busy dine-in demand with delivery orders and work closely with the Head Chef to maintain top quality and consistency.

You'll be expected to manage stock, control costs, and coach junior chefs while upholding food safety and cleanliness standards. The role offers progression toward Head Chef and a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Sous Chef, Junior Sous, or Senior Chef in a high‑volume, fast‑paced environment.
• A love of Italian food, consistency, and high standards.
• A confident leader who can run a shift and motivate a team.
• The ability to stay calm, organised, and ready to guide the team during our busiest times, including evenings, weekends and holiday periods.
• A solid understanding of kitchen operations, including stock management, wastage, and labour control.

Responsibilities

• Lead the kitchen and run the pass in the Head Chef's absence, keeping service flawless, fast, and on point.
• Deliver exceptional food quality and picture‑perfect consistency across dine-in and out‑of‑restaurant delivery orders.
• Support the management team by hitting kitchen performance metrics with stock, labour, managing prep and cost control.
• Coach and develop junior chefs, sharing your skills to build confidence, talent, and team spirit.
• Act as a role model for safety, ensuring kitchen cleanliness, compliance, and food safety are always spot on.

Skills

Kitchen leadership

High-volume environment

Italian food

Team motivation

Stock management

Job description

Zizzi Restaurants is seeking an Assistant Head Chef to lead shifts, run the pass, and mentor a team in a fast-paced kitchen. You will balance busy dine-in demand with delivery orders and work closely with the Head Chef to maintain top quality and consistency.

You'll be expected to manage stock, control costs, and coach junior chefs while upholding food safety and cleanliness standards. The role offers progression toward Head Chef and a supportive team environment.