At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Pastry team, creating innovative desserts and managing kitchen operations.
- Company: Estelle Manor, a stunning rural retreat with a vibrant culinary scene.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, exclusive staff rates, biannual socials, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team and make a real impact in a beautiful setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in pastry management and strong leadership skills.
Estelle Manor is a rural retreat set on an 85-acre estate in Oxfordshire. The manor has four restaurants, an extraordinary 3,000 square 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 Sous Chef to join our incredible Pastry team here at Estelle Manor. The on-target earning potential for this role is £46,611.96 per annum based on a 45-hour contract – comprising a base salary of £37,512.96 plus a qualified estimate of £9,000 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 kitchen’s 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.
- Recommend-a-friend bonus scheme.
- 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.
Sous Chef, Pastry employer: Maison Estelle
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 Sous Chef in our Pastry team, you will have the opportunity to innovate and lead within a stunning rural retreat, while enjoying comprehensive benefits including a generous holiday allowance, health cash plans, and tailored support for your professional development. Join us at Estelle Manor, where your contributions are valued, and you can thrive in a community that celebrates creativity and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sous Chef, Pastry
✨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 Maison Estelle. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Maison Estelle
Don't be shy about reaching out to Maison Estelle 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 Sous Chef, Pastry
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 Maison Estelle 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 Maison Estelle
✨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!
