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- Tasks: Lead a talented pastry team and create stunning desserts for a world-renowned venue.
- Company: Join Company of Cooks at the iconic Royal Opera House in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, free meals, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a vibrant culinary environment with creative freedom.
- Qualifications: Experience in pastry with strong leadership and organisational skills.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and a view across Covent Garden.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ per year.
A kitchen in one of London's most iconic buildings. A chance to lead pastry at the heart of the city's cultural life. We are Company of Cooks and we are proud to be the hospitality partner for the Royal Opera House. It is one of the most celebrated venues in the world and home to incredible food, performance and people. From restaurant dining to rooftop cocktails, afternoon teas to pre show service, this is a building with a lot going on. Pastry plays a key role in making every part of the experience feel special.
About the role: This is a senior position for someone who has classical skills, modern creativity and a genuine love of flavour. Someone who wants to work across a mix of styles. Someone who cares about the details. You will be responsible for the pastry kitchen and the development and delivery of every pastry dish across the site. That means plated desserts, event menus, high volume prep and quiet moments of joy. You will lead a great team and work closely with our Executive Chef and General Manager to bring consistency, pace and energy to the pastry kitchen.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Leading the pastry team of 6 pastry chefs including, Sous Chef and Chef De Parties, across all services including restaurant, bar, afternoon tea, private dining and events
- Creating seasonal menus with Angela Hartnett and our senior food team
- Managing prep, production and daily service for everything from individual tarts to banqueting menus
- Supporting and developing a talented team of pastry chefs
- Managing ordering, stock, planning and kitchen admin
- Bringing ideas and creativity to new menus and guest experiences
What we are looking for:
- A confident pastry chef with experience in restaurants, hotels or event venues
- A team leader who can bring people together and set high standards
- A creative approach that respects the classics and champions seasonality
- Strong organisational skills and a steady presence in busy services
- Someone who genuinely cares about hospitality and wants to make people feel looked after
What you will get from us:
- A senior kitchen role in one of London's most iconic venues
- The opportunity to work closely with Angela Hartnett and a brilliant team
- A varied working day including fine dining, afternoon tea and special events
- A positive and supportive team culture
- Free fresh meals and great coffee on shift
- A view across Covent Garden and a building full of history and inspiration
- Development and progression through Company of Cooks and Compass Group
- Life assurance scheme
- Pension scheme
- Holiday allowance
- Access to Healthcare Support App which includes Annual health check, Digital GP, Mental Health Consultations, Nutritional Consultations, Second Medical Opinion
- Eye care
- A great wellbeing strategy - including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
- Family friendly support
- Regular social events and communication with our leaders
- A holiday purchase scheme
- Volunteering days
- Professional subscriptions
- Recognition schemes and people awards
- Long service awards
- Access to some great high street discount vouchers
Location: WC2E 9DD
Salary: £55,000 - £60,000 per annum
Working Pattern: 40 hours per week - 5 days out of 7, predominantly 9am to 6pm but flexibility to work different shifts is required.
Head of Pastry- Royal Opera House employer: Compass Group UK & Ireland
Contact Detail:
Compass Group UK & Ireland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Pastry- Royal Opera House
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who have worked at iconic venues. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to meet with potential employers, bring along a portfolio of your best pastry creations. This is your time to shine and demonstrate your flair for flavour and presentation.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for a practical test! Many top kitchens will want to see your skills in action. Brush up on your techniques and be ready to whip up some stunning desserts on the spot.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented chefs like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Pastry- Royal Opera House
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Pastry: When you're writing your application, let your love for pastry shine through! Share your experiences and what excites you about creating desserts. We want to see that spark of creativity and dedication in your words.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the role at the Royal Opera House. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their background to what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to understand your journey and skills without getting lost in lengthy explanations. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Company of Cooks!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Group UK & Ireland
✨Know Your Pastry Classics
Brush up on your classical pastry techniques and be ready to discuss how you can blend these with modern creativity. The interviewers will want to see that you respect the classics while also bringing fresh ideas to the table.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in a busy kitchen environment. Highlight your ability to bring people together, set high standards, and support your team’s development—this is crucial for the Head of Pastry role.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Menu Creation
Think about seasonal ingredients and how you would approach creating new menus. Be prepared to share your ideas on how to enhance guest experiences through innovative pastry dishes, as this will demonstrate your passion and creativity.
✨Demonstrate Strong Organisational Skills
Organisational skills are key in a fast-paced kitchen. Come equipped with strategies you've used in the past for managing prep, production, and daily service. This will show that you can handle the demands of a high-volume environment.