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, biannual socials, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive culture with excellent career growth opportunities.
- 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 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 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 Sous Chef - Pastry in Witney employer: Maison Estelle
Estelle Manor is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its staff, 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 thrive in a creative kitchen setting, where your contributions are valued and celebrated, alongside opportunities for professional development and a comprehensive benefits package including health plans and generous holiday allowances.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Sous Chef - Pastry in Witney
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Estelle Manor and its culinary style. This will help you connect with the Pastry Executive Chef and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their creative journey.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Bring along a portfolio of your best pastry creations or even a few samples if possible. This not only demonstrates your talent but also gives the team a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about your ideas! Think of innovative menu concepts or improvements you could suggest for Estelle Manor. This shows initiative and that you're already thinking about how to contribute to their vision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the Estelle family right from the start.
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 and skills that match the job description. We appreciate when candidates take the time to align their application with what we're looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to understand your qualifications and experiences without having to sift through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Maison Estelle
✨Know Your Pastry Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest pastry techniques and trends. Brush up on your knowledge of ingredients, allergens, and nutritional information, as you'll need to communicate this effectively during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to discuss innovative menu ideas you've developed in the past. Bring examples of how you've explored new culinary opportunities and how you can contribute to Estelle Manor's food concept vision.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Be ready to share experiences where you've successfully managed kitchen operations or led a team under pressure. Highlight your ability to make decisions and take responsibility, especially in the absence of senior chefs.
✨Engage with the Culture
Familiarise yourself with Estelle Manor’s values and perks. Show enthusiasm for their commitment to well-being and growth, and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to creating a unified culture within the team.