At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the kitchen team and deliver exceptional food while the Head Chef is away.
- Company: Join Zizzi, a vibrant family-focused restaurant chain.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50% off meals, free food on shift, and discounts on cinema and travel.
- Why this job: Be part of a fun team that celebrates individuality and growth in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for food and leadership skills are essential.
- Other info: 28 days holiday, career progression opportunities, and a supportive community.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 13 £ per hour.
Employer: Zizzi
Location: Haywards Heath, West Sussex
Salary: Starts at £13.00 Per Hour + Benefits, Tronc, Service Charge & Tips depending on Experience
Closing date: 5 Mar 2026
As Assistant Head Chef you will be a senior part of the kitchen team, having the ability to run the kitchen in the head chef's absence. You will need to understand the need for great leadership and have an unparalleled passion for food.
What you’ll get:
- Treat yourself and your friends with 50% Zizzi & ASK Italian (drinks included)
- Free & heavily discounted menu on shift
- Wagestream available to instantly access earned wages
- Discounts on cinema tickets, travel websites and big brands
- Access to your rotas and payslips through our online Zizzi community
- Free Employee Assistance Programme with access to GPs and wellbeing support
- 28 days holiday (pro rata)
- Opportunities to develop and progress your career
- Company pension contributions
- Zizzi branded T-Shirts and aprons provided
What will you be doing?
Here’s a taster:
- Stepping into the Head Chef’s shoes whilst they’re away, running the kitchen and leading the team to deliver exceptional food, whilst ensuring maximum profitability.
- Being passionate about our food, knowing the menu and our specs inside out, working across any section, and sharing this passion with your team.
- Planning for shifts, ensuring the right level of food is prepared, and delegating duties to the team.
- Working with the whole restaurant team to help deliver Great Times for our customers and taking pride in the presentation and quality of food from your kitchen.
- Ensuring the restaurant and kitchen is looking fabulous at all times, hitting the mark set out in our policies, processes and guidelines.
Zizzi Values:
- Growth: You aim to be better than yesterday.
- Individuality: You celebrate the differences.
- Drive: You make it happen.
- Togetherness: You want to be part of more.
- Fun: You enjoy the everyday.
At Zizzi we are a family. It’s never me, always we. Customers included.
Assistant Head Chef - Haywards Heath employer: Zizzi Ristorante
Contact Detail:
Zizzi Ristorante Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Head Chef - Haywards Heath
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the restaurant! Before your interview, pop into Zizzi and soak up the vibe. Chat with the staff, check out the menu, and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your cooking skills! If you can, whip up a dish from the Zizzi menu at home. Bring it along to your interview or share your experience with the team. It shows passion and gives you something tasty to talk about!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your leadership skills. Think of examples where you’ve led a team or handled a busy kitchen. We want to see how you can step into the Head Chef’s shoes and keep things running smoothly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to get noticed and shows you’re serious about joining the Zizzi family. Plus, we love seeing applications that come directly from our site!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Head Chef - Haywards Heath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food: When writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Share your experiences in the kitchen and what makes you excited about working with us at Zizzi. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about delivering exceptional dishes.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the Assistant Head Chef role. Highlight your leadership skills and any relevant experience running a kitchen. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their background with what we’re looking for!
Be Yourself: We value individuality here at Zizzi, so don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. Share a bit about who you are outside of work and what makes you unique. Remember, we’re looking for someone who fits into our family vibe!
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets to us directly, apply through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we see your application quickly and can get back to you. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Zizzi Ristorante
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with Zizzi’s menu. Understand the ingredients, preparation methods, and presentation styles. This will show your passion for food and your readiness to step into the Head Chef's shoes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience in leading a kitchen team. Share specific examples of how you've motivated your team, delegated tasks, and handled challenges. This will demonstrate that you can run the kitchen effectively in the Head Chef's absence.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Togetherness
Zizzi values togetherness, so highlight your ability to work collaboratively. Talk about times when you’ve supported your colleagues or contributed to a positive team environment. This will resonate well with their culture.
✨Bring Your Passion for Food
Let your love for cooking shine through during the interview. Share your culinary inspirations, favourite dishes to prepare, and any creative ideas you have for the menu. This enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.