At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Pastry team, create innovative menus, and ensure top-notch kitchen operations.
- Company: Estelle Manor, a stunning rural retreat with a vibrant culinary scene.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, exclusive staff rates, wellness perks, and 28 days holiday.
- Other info: Enjoy biannual socials, colleague spaces, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Join a creative team and make your mark in a beautiful setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in pastry management and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 41700 - 51700 £ per year.
Estelle Manor is a rural retreat set on an 85-acre estate in Oxfordshire. The manor has four restaurants, an extraordinary 3,000 sq metre Roman-inspired spa - Eynsham Baths, 108 bedrooms and a gym with class studios and padel courts. Plus, there’s a kids’ club for the little ones and a workspace.
We are looking for a talented Senior Sous Chef to join our incredible Pastry team here at Estelle Manor. The on target earning potential for this role is £51,700 per annum based on a 45 hour contract - comprising a base salary of £41,700 plus a qualified estimate of £10,000 in gratuities and service charge. Please note this role is paid hourly so this is a projected salary and OTE.
Here’s a bit more detail on what we see you doing in this role:
- Assisting the Pastry Executive Chef to oversee and manage the daily operations within the Pastry and Bakery kitchen.
- Delivering on the food concept vision and helping to develop innovative menu ideas, identifying new culinary opportunities within Estelle Manor.
- Updating briefs across departments on menu items, communicating all relevant provenance, allergens, nutritionals and other distinctive information.
- Overseeing budget and operations, assisting and engaging with the kitchens senior leadership team to manage all food health & safety standards.
- Standing in for the Pastry Executive Chef in absence, feeling empowered to make managerial decisions within the kitchen's operations, ultimately being responsible for the quality of all items leaving the kitchen.
Who we are looking for?
- A team oriented, positive, driven, organised and solution focused leader.
- Excellent communication and training skills.
- Ability to perform under pressure and deliver results to deadlines.
- Experience managing the daily operations, set up, standards, operating procedures.
- Someone who takes responsibility and initiative to explore issues and to generate new ideas with creative thinking.
- Excellent interpersonal, time management and organisational skills.
What’s in it for you?
At Estelle, we prioritize your well-being and growth, offering a range of perks to enrich your experience. Enjoy exclusive staff rates, biannual socials, and Estelleversary surprises. Nurture your well-being with stocked colleague spaces. Engage in forums shaping The Estelle Way. Utilise the provided uniforms and onsite seamstress support. Join us for a fulfilling journey where you are valued, supported, and celebrated.
We have a range of perks and benefits at your fingertips:
- Biannual company socials plus smaller social and sports groups.
- Exclusive staff rates and F&B discounts across sister properties.
- Estelleversary gifting for all employees.
- Colleague spaces stocked with food, drinks and a selection of juices, teas and coffees.
- Goes without saying but we will feed you during your shift.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Added protection of our pension, health cash plan and life assurance schemes.
- 28 days holiday, inclusive of bank holidays, which increases with length of service.
- Colleague Forums and Sustainability Committees to help create The Estelle Way.
- Uniform provided, cleaned, and pressed.
- Onsite seamstresses to ensure your uniform is fitted and repaired.
About gratuities & service charge: Gratuities (tips) are paid on a pro-rata basis regardless of your role. It is estimated that in 2026, our full-time employees can expect to receive in the range of £9,000 in addition to their annual salary.
Senior Sous Chef - Pastry in Witney employer: Estelle Manor
Estelle Manor is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its team members, offering a vibrant work culture enriched with biannual socials, exclusive staff rates, and a supportive environment. As a Senior Sous Chef in our Pastry team, you will have the opportunity to innovate within a stunning rural retreat, while enjoying comprehensive benefits including a health cash plan, generous holiday allowance, and tailored support for your professional development. Join us at Estelle Manor, where your contributions are valued, and you can thrive in a collaborative and dynamic culinary setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sous Chef - Pastry in Witney
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs, attend culinary events, and connect with people in the industry. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, create a portfolio of your best pastry creations. Bring it along to interviews or share it online. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to places you’d love to work at, like Estelle Manor. Express your interest and ask if they’re looking for someone with your skills. It shows initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s culinary style and values. Tailor your answers to reflect how you can contribute to their vision. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream role!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Sous Chef - Pastry in Witney
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 your creativity and enthusiasm for the culinary arts.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Sous Chef role. Highlight relevant experience, especially in managing kitchen operations and developing innovative menu ideas. We appreciate when candidates take the time to align their skills with our needs.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We value good communication skills, so make sure your written application reflects that by being easy to read and understand.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about Estelle Manor and what we stand for!
How to prepare for a job interview at Estelle Manor
✨Know Your Pastry Inside Out
Before the interview, brush up on your pastry knowledge. Be ready to discuss your favourite techniques, ingredients, and any innovative ideas you have for menus. This shows your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Sous Chef, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed kitchen operations or trained staff in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you handle pressure.
✨Understand Estelle Manor's Vision
Research Estelle Manor and its culinary offerings. Familiarise yourself with their food concept vision and think about how you can contribute to it. Being able to align your ideas with their goals will impress the interviewers.
✨Prepare Questions to Ask
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, kitchen culture, and opportunities for creativity within the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
