Trainee Chef

Zizzi; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Free meals on shift

Earned wage access

Discounts on travel and entertainment

Virtual GP and EAP

Job summary

Zizzi in Chelmsford is seeking a Trainee Chef to learn dough stretching, pasta dishes and open-kitchen prep. No prior chef experience is required—we’ll teach you the skills to build a kitchen career.

A team player with a can-do attitude and a love for Italian ingredients will thrive in our fast-paced environment. You'll work with the team to keep service seamless, follow food safety standards, and progress from trainee to Chef with opportunities for progression to Head Chef as you gain

Qualifications

• Entry-level chef role; no kitchen experience required.
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic and willingness to learn are essential.
• Interest in Italian ingredients and menu mastery is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook menu to spec in a busy open kitchen.
• Maintain high dish quality and consistency during rush periods.
• Learn dough stretching and pasta preparation for Italian dishes.
• Keep the kitchen clean and uphold food safety standards.
• Work closely with the team to ensure smooth service.

Skills

Team player

Positive attitude

Strong work ethic

Willingness to learn

Italian cuisine interest

Job description

Our story:

You'll know us for bubbly pizza, fresh pasta, and good times. Zizzi started in 1999 with a little wine, a big oven, and the dream of doing Italian food, our way. We don’t do bland food, people or restaurants.

About the role:

As a Trainee Chef, you'll get to learn how to stretch dough and make perfect al dente pasta in our open kitchen. You don't need any previous chef experience - we'll teach you the skills to build a kitchen career. We're looking for a team player ready to learn, with a great attitude, and a love for food.

What you’ll do:

• Prepare and cook our menu to spec in a busy, high-energy open kitchen where our guests can see the magic happen.
• Take absolute pride in the quality of every dish that leaves your section, ensuring it turns heads every time.
• Master our menu and specs inside and out to ensure service remains fast and consistent during busy rushes.
• Maintain a spotless kitchen and follow all food safety procedures to the highest standard.
• Work closely with the rest of your team to keep the kitchen running smoothly and the energy high.

What’s in it for you:

• Flexible hours and the guaranteed stability of a minimum-hour contract.
• Free meals when you're on shift, and 50% off when you aren't.
• Access your earned wages whenever you need them with Stream.
• Discounts on travel, cinema, and top brands.
• 24/0 Virtual GP and Employee Assistance Program.
• Career development opportunities. We’ll help you grow to Chef, then even to Head Chef.

What we're looking for:

• This is an entry-level chef role, so you don't need any kitchen experience. Just a positive attitude, a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn.
• A love for Italian ingredients and a genuine desire to master the Zizzi menu.
• A reliable team player who stays calm when things get busy
• Positive energy for a busy, high-energy environment.
• Reliable and available for evenings, weekends, and busy holiday periods.

Why you’ll fit right in:

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