At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead menu innovation and manage daily pastry operations at a stunning rural retreat.
- Company: Estelle Manor, a luxurious estate with exceptional dining and wellness facilities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, exclusive staff rates, biannual socials, and well-being perks.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a creative team and make your mark in a beautiful setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in pastry management and strong leadership skills required.
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 orientated, 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.
Here at Estelle, we want to create a unified culture and sense of belonging throughout. 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.
Senior Pastry Sous Chef - Lead Menu Innovation in Witney 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. Located in the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside, employees enjoy a fulfilling career in a stunning setting, with ample opportunities for professional development and creative culinary innovation. Join us at Estelle Manor, where your contributions are valued, and you can thrive in a collaborative and dynamic atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Pastry Sous Chef - Lead Menu Innovation in Witney
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow chefs and industry contacts on social media or at local events. 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! Consider creating a portfolio of your best pastry creations. This can be a great conversation starter during interviews and gives potential employers a taste of what you can bring to their kitchen.
✨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 have any upcoming opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s culinary style and recent menu innovations. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their vision, and don’t forget to highlight your creativity and leadership skills!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Pastry Sous Chef - Lead Menu Innovation 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 innovative menu ideas. We want to see your personality and creativity in action!
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your relevant experience in managing kitchen operations and your ability to work under pressure. We appreciate when candidates take the time to align their skills with what we're looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We love a well-structured application that gets straight to the good stuff without any fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply 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 Maison Estelle
✨Know Your Pastry Basics
Before heading into the interview, brush up on your pastry techniques and trends. Be ready to discuss your favourite desserts and how you would innovate the menu at Estelle Manor. This shows your passion and knowledge in the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Pastry 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.
✨Be Ready for Menu Innovation Discussions
Estelle Manor is looking for someone who can bring fresh ideas to the table. Think about potential menu items or concepts you could introduce. Discussing these during the interview will show your creativity and alignment with their vision.
✨Understand Their Values and Culture
Familiarise yourself with Estelle Manor's culture and values. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their unified culture and sense of belonging. Showing that you resonate with their ethos will make you a more attractive candidate.