Pizza Second Chef - Cardiff

Franco Manca; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free pizzas

Free sourdough bread

28 days holiday

Pension scheme

Virtual GP access

Discounts & vouchers

Gym and cinema discounts

Annual social events

Staff dining discount 50%

Employee referral scheme

Franco Academy

Job summary

Franco Manca is seeking a Pizza Second Chef to join our fast‑paced kitchen team. You will support the Head Chef, help deliver consistently outstanding pizzas, and lead the team in their absence. You’ll be hands‑on with dough handling, pizza assembly, and maintaining high hygiene standards while motivating junior staff.

We value passion for food, a positive team spirit, and a drive to grow within the Franco family. Expect a busy, collaborative environment where quality and pace matter every shift.

Qualifications

• Kitchen experience in a busy setting.
• Passion for food and high standards of quality.
• Strong hygiene and safety understanding.
• Positive, team‑first attitude and good communication.
• Experience leading a kitchen team and stepping in for Head Chef.

Responsibilities

• Support Head Chef and help manage day‑to‑day kitchen operations.
• Collaborate with Head Chef to deliver consistently exceptional pizzas.
• Lead the team when Head Chef is absent and keep shifts running smoothly.
• Hands‑on role from dough handling to pizza assembly.
• Train and support junior team members to grow their skills.

Skills

Kitchen experience

Food prep

Hygiene & safety

Team leadership

Calm under pressure

Train juniors

Excellent communicator

Pizza making

Job description

Responsibilities & Requirements

• As Pizza Second Chef, you'll be a vital part of our kitchen team, supporting the Head Chef and keeping the heart of our pizzeria beating strong.
• You'll work closely with the Head Chef to deliver consistently amazing food, ensuring every pizza is a masterpiece.
• Take responsibility for key areas of the kitchen, from food prep and quality control to maintaining hygiene and safety standards.
• Help train and support junior members of the team, sharing your skills and passion for great food.
• Keep calm under pressure and lead the team when the Head Chef isn't around.
• Play a hands‑on role, from stretching dough to creating pizzas that make our guests smile.

  We're looking for someone with kitchen experience, a passion for food, and a positive, team‑first attitude.

• You’ll have experience in a busy kitchen, with a strong understanding of food prep, hygiene, and service.
• Be passionate about cooking and delivering high‑quality food with every dish.
• Be a great team player, supporting and motivating others to do their best.
• Stay organized and focused, even during the busiest shifts.
• Have a hunger to learn and grow, with the drive to take the next step in your kitchen career.

About Franco Manca & Pay

At Franco Manca, we're passionate about making pizza the way it should be - simple, authentic, and absolutely delicious. Our famous slow‑rising sourdough, fresh seasonal ingredients, and traditional cooking methods are at the heart of what we do. But what makes us truly special is our people. From our pizzerias to our kitchens, we're all about great food, good vibes, and creating a place where everyone feels welcome. If you love food, thrive in a fast‑paced kitchen, and want to grow your career with a brand that cares, we'd love to have you join the Franco family.

13.76 - 17.76 per hour OTE (including service charge and delivery bonus - our data says you can earn between 1 to 4 per hour on top of your pay)

Benefits

• Free yummy pizzas and soft drinks on every shift
• Free Sourdough bread to cook at home
• 28 days holiday (pro rata)
• A pension scheme to set you up for the future
• 24/7 virtual GP access and confidential counselling sessions and advice on wellbeing, money, legal and personal matters.
• Cashback, online discounts and discounted shopping vouchers to help with everyday savings.
• Gym and fitness discounts, cinema tickets, family days out and exclusive hospitality perks.
• Annual social events, incentives and competitions
• 50% staff discount when dining in any Franco Manca restaurants
• Up to 500 employee referral scheme (T&C apply)
• Ongoing personal growth and development with our Franco Academy all over the UK