Lead Italian Kitchen: Assistant Head Chef (Shift Lead)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Career development

Flexible hours

Free meals on shift

50% off when not on shift

Discounts on travel & cinema

Job summary

Zizzi Restaurants is seeking an Assistant Head Chef in Cardiff. You will lead shifts, run the pass, and maintain high standards across dine-in and delivery orders. The role combines hands-on kitchen leadership with coaching and strict adherence to food safety and cost control.

We offer a minimum-hour contract with flexible hours, free meals on shift, and attractive staff discounts. You’ll work in a fast-paced environment delivering Italian cuisine with opportunities to progress toward Head Chef.

Qualifications

• Experience as a Sous Chef, Junior Sous, or Senior Chef in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Love of Italian food, consistency and high standards.
• Confident leader who can run a shift and motivate a team.
• Ability to stay calm and organized during busy times, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• 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 consistency across dine-in and 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 skills to build confidence and team spirit.
• Act as a role model for safety, ensuring kitchen cleanliness, compliance, and food safety.

Skills

Leadership

Kitchen management

Team coaching

Calm under pressure

Food safety

Job description

Zizzi Restaurants is seeking an Assistant Head Chef in Cardiff. You will lead shifts, run the pass, and maintain high standards across dine-in and delivery orders. The role combines hands-on kitchen leadership with coaching and strict adherence to food safety and cost control.

We offer a minimum-hour contract with flexible hours, free meals on shift, and attractive staff discounts. You’ll work in a fast-paced environment delivering Italian cuisine with opportunities to progress toward Head Chef.