Trainee Chef

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

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hours

Free meals on shift

Earned wage access via Stream

Discounts on travel, cinema and brands

24/7 Virtual GP and EAP

Career development to Chef/Head Chef

Job summary

Zizzi is hiring a Trainee Chef to learn dough stretching and al dente pasta in our open kitchen. No prior chef experience needed—we’ll teach you the skills to build a kitchen career. We’re looking for a team player with a great attitude and a love for food.

You’ll work in a fast-paced environment with flexible hours, free meals on shift, and career progression from Trainee Chef to Chef and Head Chef. This entry-level role is perfect for food lovers who want to develop in a busy Italian kitchen.

Qualifications

• This is an entry-level chef role; no prior kitchen experience required.
• You’ll learn to stretch dough, cook to spec, and master the Zizzi menu.
• You’ll need a positive attitude, a strong work ethic and a willingness to learn.
• A love for Italian ingredients and teamwork will help you succeed.
• You must be reliable and available for evenings, weekends and busy holiday periods.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and cook our menu to spec in a busy open kitchen.
• Take pride in the quality of every dish leaving your section.
• Master the menu and specs to ensure fast, consistent service.
• Maintain a spotless kitchen and follow food safety procedures.
• Work closely with your team to keep the kitchen running smoothly.

Skills

Team player

Willingness to learn

Positive attitude

Reliable

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.
• 24/7 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).