At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead pastry operations for exciting events, creating delicious desserts and innovative menus.
- Company: Join the iconic Kia Oval, home to Surrey County Cricket Club since 1845.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, healthcare, 23 days' leave, and more perks.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact with plant-based desserts in a vibrant, fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Pastry CDP or Sous Chef and a passion for sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 42500 - 42500 € per year.
The Kia Oval, home to Surrey County Cricket Club since 1845, is an iconic international cricket ground in South London. Oval Events Ltd (OEL) delivers all catering, hospitality, bars, and events, driven by a strong partnership focused on world‑class experiences.
The Pastry Sous Chef leads pastry operations across a diverse event portfolio, from large‑scale international matchdays (up to 5,500 guests) to VVIP and corporate events. The role ensures high‑quality production, consistency, and efficient use of resources, while supporting menu development with a strong focus on sustainability and plant‑based desserts. It also involves leading and developing the pastry team and maintaining food safety standards.
Focus Areas- Culinary Execution & Innovation
- Lead pastry production across all events, delivering consistent, high‑quality desserts at scale
- Collaborate on seasonal, innovative menus with a strong plant‑based focus
- Drive creativity in vegan pastry and maintain exceptional presentation and flavour
- Sustainability
- Support 100% plant‑based dessert offerings and reduce food waste
- Champion local, seasonal, and responsibly sourced ingredients
- Embed sustainable kitchen practices and support Net Zero initiatives
- Team Leadership
- Lead, coach, and develop pastry teams across varied service levels
- Foster a positive, high‑performing kitchen culture
- Operations & Compliance
- Deliver smooth pastry operations across matchdays and events
- Maintain food safety, hygiene, and allergen standards
- Support stock control and efficient service in a fast‑paced environment
- Experience as Pastry CDP or Sous Chef in high‑volume or premium hospitality
- Strong knowledge of food safety and UK regulations
- Interest or experience in plant‑based pastry
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail
- Passion for sustainability and flexible to work events and matchdays
- Competitive salary with bonus and full company benefits
- 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and a holiday purchase scheme
- Healthcare & wellbeing: Aviva Digicare, Medicash (dental, optical, therapy treatments)
- Mental health support: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Family benefits: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave. 2 days additional leave after returning from maternity leave, day off for your baby's first birthday, enhanced family leave
- Perks & discounts: Shopping, entertainment, and travel discounts, 20% off Nuffield Health and 10% off PureGym memberships
- Financial wellbeing: Pension scheme, Life Assurance, preferred rates on salary finance products
- Development opportunities: Professional subscriptions, ongoing training and structured career pathways
- Meals on duty included
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us in creating a supportive, empowering workplace where everyone can thrive.
Pastry Sous Chef - Kia Oval employer: Levy
At Oval Events Ltd, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions creativity and sustainability in the culinary arts. As a Pastry Sous Chef at the iconic Kia Oval, you'll enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive benefits including healthcare and generous leave, and ample opportunities for professional growth within a supportive team environment dedicated to delivering world-class experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastry Sous Chef - Kia Oval
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who have worked at venues like Kia Oval. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, bring samples of your pastry creations to interviews or networking events. Nothing speaks louder than delicious desserts that showcase your talent and creativity.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on trends! Keep an eye on plant-based and sustainable dessert trends. Being knowledgeable about these topics will not only impress potential employers but also show your passion for innovation in the kitchen.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Make sure to highlight your experience with high-volume pastry production and your commitment to sustainability in your application.
We think you need these skills to ace Pastry Sous Chef - Kia Oval
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Pastry:When writing your application, let your love for pastry shine through! Share your experiences and what excites you about creating innovative desserts, especially with a plant-based twist. We want to see your creativity and enthusiasm!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Pastry Sous Chef role. Highlight relevant experience in high-volume settings and any leadership roles you've had. We appreciate when candidates take the time to align their skills with our needs.
Emphasise Sustainability:Since we're all about sustainability, mention any experience you have with plant-based ingredients or reducing food waste. Show us how you can contribute to our commitment to eco-friendly practices in the kitchen!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at the Kia Oval!
How to prepare for a job interview at Levy
✨Know Your Pastry Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest pastry trends, especially plant-based options. Be ready to discuss your favourite recipes and how you can innovate within the role. This shows your passion and expertise!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in a high-pressure environment. Highlight your coaching style and how you foster a positive kitchen culture. They’ll want to see that you can inspire and develop others.
✨Emphasise Sustainability
Since sustainability is key for this role, come armed with ideas on how to implement eco-friendly practices in pastry production. Discuss your experience with local sourcing and reducing food waste to demonstrate your commitment.
✨Practice Food Safety Knowledge
Brush up on UK food safety regulations and be prepared to discuss how you maintain hygiene standards in a busy kitchen. Showing that you prioritise safety will give them confidence in your abilities.
