At a Glance
- Tasks: Create innovative desserts and pastries for The Ivy Collection's iconic restaurants.
- Company: Join The Ivy Collection, a renowned group of 61 restaurants in the UK and Ireland.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50% dining discount, competitive pay, and extra holiday allowance.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in one of the UK's leading hospitality groups.
- Why this job: Shape the future of desserts while working with a passionate team in a creative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in pastry development and strong knowledge of bakery techniques required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
The Ivy Collection is a group of 61 restaurants across the UK and Ireland, including The Ivy Brasseries, The Ivy Asia, Harry's Restaurants, Brasserie of Light, and the original The Ivy, established in 1917. Our iconic restaurants are celebrated for exceptional food, outstanding service, and unforgettable moments. We are now looking for a talented Pastry Development Chef to join our Food Development team and help shape the future of our dessert and bakery offering across the business. This role is based at our Development Kitchen in Acton and will work closely with Operations, Procurement, Supply Chain and Executive Chefs to deliver innovative, commercially successful products.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop innovative dessert, bakery and pastry products across The Ivy Collection brands.
- Create recipes, specifications and production methods that can be consistently replicated across multiple sites.
- Work closely with suppliers, Procurement and Supply Chain teams to source ingredients and products that support menu innovation and cost control.
- Identify emerging trends, ingredients and techniques to enhance our pastry offering.
- Ensure all new products are operationally practical, scalable and commercially viable.
- Lead product tastings, trials and launches, providing recommendations and feedback.
- Create and maintain recipe cards, operational guides and product specifications.
- Support quarterly menu changes, seasonal launches and special occasion menus.
- Deliver training for Area Chefs, Head Chefs and kitchen teams to ensure successful implementation across the business.
- Collaborate with Marketing on seasonal campaigns, menu launches and food photography projects.
What we're looking for
- Proven experience in a pastry development, pastry innovation or senior pastry chef role.
- Strong knowledge of pastry production, bakery techniques, ingredients and current market trends.
- Experience developing recipes and products for multi-site hospitality or retail environments.
- Commercial understanding of food cost, margins, scalability and operational delivery.
- Strong supplier management and product sourcing experience.
- Excellent organisational and project management skills.
- Passion for innovation, quality and continuous improvement.
- Confident communicator with the ability to influence and train teams across multiple locations.
Benefits & Rewards
- 50% discount for you and up to 3 guests when dining in our restaurants.
- 30% discount across the wider group of restaurants.
- Competitive industry pay (based on salary & Tronc).
- Extra holiday allowance linked to length of service - up to 5 additional days after 5 years.
- Career development opportunities across one of the UK's leading hospitality groups.
Pastry Development Chef employer: Job Search Place Limited
The Ivy Collection is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates creativity and innovation in the culinary arts. As a Pastry Development Chef based in our state-of-the-art Development Kitchen in Acton, you will enjoy competitive pay, generous discounts at our restaurants, and ample opportunities for career growth within one of the UK's leading hospitality groups. Join us to be part of a team that values quality, collaboration, and the art of fine dining.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastry Development Chef
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Job Search Place Limited. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Job Search Place Limited
Don't be shy about reaching out to Job Search Place Limited directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Pastry Development Chef
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Job Search Place Limited and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
