At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented bakery team and oversee daily operations for high-quality baked goods.
- Company: Join the vibrant Ottolenghi family, known for creativity and excellence in food.
- Benefits: Enjoy delicious staff meals, health support, and generous discounts.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for learning and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a creative environment while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in management within high-volume food production and strong baking knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 44000 £ per year.
We’re looking for an experienced Bakery Senior Sous Chef to join Ottolenghi’s Central Production Unit and take a leading role in overseeing the daily operations of the bakery department, ensuring the efficient production of high-quality baked goods, managing inventory, and leading a team of bakers and support staff.
You will play a key role in maintaining food safety standards, implementing recipes, and staff welfare.
Additionally, you will be involved in scheduling, and fostering a positive work environment
What you’ll do
- Lead, train and develop a high‑performing bakery team, creating a positive, inclusive and supportive environment.
- Empower your team through clear delegation, fair processes, and a culture that celebrates teamwork, creativity, and excellence.
- Oversee daily production schedules to meet demand across Ottolenghi sites and the webstore, including key seasonal peaks.
- Maintain exceptional quality across all products, taste, appearance, consistency, and presentation.
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, CCP policies, and safe supplier standards.
- Manage stock levels, ingredient rotation, and inventory systems to minimise waste and maintain efficiency.
- Collaborate with the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen on new product trials, launches, and improvements.
- Partner with our delis and webstore teams to ensure smooth fulfilment, accurate labelling, and great service.
- Maintain equipment, uphold cleaning and sanitation standards, and troubleshoot operational issues.
- Support with rota planning, onboarding, performance management, and team welfare.
- Track production metrics, manage budgets, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
What we’re looking for
- 3+ Years in a Management role within high volume & quality led food production such as a Central Purchasing Unit or large‑scale kitchen
- Strong knowledge of large-scale bakery operations
- Deep understanding of baking techniques, ingredient formulations and production workflows
Key Skills
- Strong People Management Skills
- Strong organisational skills
- Proficient in IT systems for inventory management, production scheduling and reporting
- Strong numerical and administrative capability
- Ability to multitask in fast passed environment
- Ability to work under pressure and problem solve
- Passion for continuous improvement
Working hours
- 5 shifts per week within our 7-day operating schedule
- Flexibility required, including early mornings, weekends, and holidays
What we offer
- 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’re an experienced bakery leader with a passion for great food and a drive to support and develop others, join Ottolenghi’s CPU team and help us deliver exceptional baked goods every day!
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Bakery Senior Sous Chef employer: Ottolenghi CPU
Ottolenghi is an exceptional employer that fosters a warm and inclusive work culture, where individuality and creativity are celebrated. As a Bakery Senior Sous Chef, you will benefit from generous staff meals, health and well-being support, and extensive learning and development opportunities, including management coaching and exclusive workshops. Join our collaborative team in the Central Production Unit, where your ideas are valued and you can make a meaningful impact on the quality of our baked goods.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bakery Senior Sous Chef
✨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 Ottolenghi CPU. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Ottolenghi CPU
Don't be shy about reaching out to Ottolenghi CPU 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 Bakery Senior Sous Chef
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 Ottolenghi CPU 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 Ottolenghi CPU
✨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!
