At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head Pastry Chef and lead the pastry team in a vibrant kitchen.
- Company: Join Ottolenghi, known for its energetic atmosphere and delicious food.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days leave, staff meals, health support, and learning opportunities.
- Other info: Experience a warm culture that celebrates individuality and growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative team that values your ideas and passion for pastry.
- Qualifications: 2+ years as a Pastry Sous Chef with a love for baking and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Ottolenghi, we’re known for vibrant food, busy delis, and restaurants full of energy—but what really matters is our people. We create environments where teams feel supported, take pride in what they do, and deliver a genuinely warm experience to every guest. Ottolenghi Bicester Village brings our signature flavours and warm hospitality to one of the UK's most celebrated retail destinations. It's a unique and exciting location that welcomes guests from across the country and beyond.
What you’ll do:
- Support the Head Pastry Chef in the day-to-day running of the pastry kitchen.
- Lead and manage the pastry team in the absence of the Head Pastry Chef, ensuring high-quality preparation and presentation throughout.
- Continuously assess and improve kitchen processes to enhance efficiency and quality.
- Manage food costs, including stock takes, to ensure profitability and budget targets are met.
- Maintain exceptional standards of food hygiene and safety across the pastry section.
- Mentor and develop junior pastry team members, sharing knowledge and building confidence.
- Contribute to menu development, seasonal specials, and new pastry product launches.
- Collaborate with the wider kitchen and front-of-house teams to deliver a seamless guest experience.
What we’re looking for:
- Proven experience as a Pastry Sous Chef in a quality kitchen environment, 2+ years.
- A genuine passion for cake, pastry, and baked goods, with a strong track record of delivering high-quality food.
- Someone who is generous, kind, and dedicated, and who leads with care for both their team and their craft.
- Confidence to take ownership and lead the section independently when required.
- A collaborative approach and a genuine desire to develop others.
Key skills:
- Strong technical pastry skills with a creative eye for flavour and presentation.
- Ability to lead and motivate a team in a calm and supportive manner.
- Confident managing stock, food costs, and production planning.
- High attention to detail and a commitment to consistency.
- Well-organised and able to manage multiple priorities during busy service.
- Comfortable using relevant kitchen systems and tools.
- A genuine passion for pastry, baking, and continuous improvement.
What’s in it for you?
- 28 days annual leave per year, inclusive of bank holidays.
- Delicious Ottolenghi staff meals on shift and generous staff discount.
- Health and well-being support through our HSF healthcare plan (covering dental, optical, physiotherapy, and more), plus a 24/7 GP helpline and access to Perkbox discounts.
- Refer a Friend Bonus: £500 for each successful referral.
- Learning & Development opportunities including management coaching, WSET wine training, Ottolenghi Chef’s Academy workshops, and access to external courses.
- A warm, inclusive working culture where individuality, growth, and creativity are celebrated.
- Enhanced Parental Pay after two years’ service.
- A special birthday treat to celebrate your day.
- Exclusive workshops and demos, including cooking, food, wine, and cocktail sessions in the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen.
- A collaborative and creative environment where your ideas are valued.
If you care about great food, great people, and doing things properly, we'd love to hear from you.
Pastry Sous Chef in Bicester employer: Ottolenghi Bicester Village
At Ottolenghi, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that values creativity and individuality. As a Pastry Sous Chef at our Bicester Village location, you'll enjoy a supportive environment with ample opportunities for professional growth, including management coaching and exclusive workshops. With generous benefits such as delicious staff meals, health support, and a strong emphasis on team collaboration, we ensure that our employees feel valued and empowered to deliver exceptional experiences to our guests.
Contact Details:
Ottolenghi Bicester Village Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastry Sous Chef in Bicester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Ottolenghi and its culture. Understanding their values will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their vibrant environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Bring a portfolio of your best pastry creations to the interview. This not only highlights your technical skills but also gives you a chance to discuss your creative process and passion for baking.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about teamwork! Since collaboration is key at Ottolenghi, prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team or mentored others in the kitchen. This will demonstrate your leadership style and commitment to developing your colleagues.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Ottolenghi family and ready to contribute to their warm hospitality and exceptional food experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Pastry Sous Chef in Bicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your love for pastry and baking shine through! Share your experiences and what excites you about creating delicious treats. We want to see that genuine enthusiasm for the craft.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match what we're looking for. Highlight your time as a Pastry Sous Chef and any specific achievements in quality kitchens. We appreciate attention to detail!
Be Yourself:We value individuality, so don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. Share a bit about your journey and what makes you unique as a pastry chef. We’re all about warm hospitality and genuine connections!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of joining our team, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get to know you better. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ottolenghi Bicester Village
✨Know Your Pastry Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your pastry knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss your favourite techniques, ingredients, and any unique creations you've made. This shows your genuine passion for pastry and helps you connect with the team.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since you'll be leading a team, think of examples where you've successfully managed or mentored others. Prepare to share how you motivate your team and handle challenges in a calm manner. This will demonstrate your ability to lead effectively.
✨Be Ready to Talk Numbers
Understanding food costs and stock management is crucial. Brush up on your experience with budgeting and profitability. Be prepared to discuss how you've previously managed these aspects in your kitchen to show you're not just creative but also business-savvy.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Ottolenghi values teamwork, so think about times when you've collaborated with other kitchen staff or front-of-house teams. Share specific examples that highlight your ability to work well with others and contribute to a seamless guest experience.
