At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire the pastry team while creating innovative dishes.
- Company: Join Ottolenghi, a vibrant restaurant known for its fresh, seasonal produce.
- Benefits: 33 days annual leave, delicious staff meals, and health support.
- Other info: Enjoy exclusive workshops and a warm, inclusive culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative environment where your ideas truly matter.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Pastry Chef with strong leadership skills.
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 Edinburgh marks an exciting new chapter for us, our first restaurant in Scotland.
Opening in autumn 2026, this will be a vibrant, busy restaurant with a genuine commitment to fresh, seasonal produce and sustainability at its heart.
- What you’ll do
- Lead, train, and motivate the pastry team, creating a positive and high-performing environment.
- Design and develop innovative dishes aligned with Ottolenghi’s flavour philosophy and seasonal ethos.
- Oversee production, quality control, and consistency across the pastry operation.
- Manage scheduling, ordering, stock control, and section organization efficiently.
- Support menu development, specials, and seasonal launches in collaboration with the wider kitchen and Test Kitchen teams.
- Uphold exceptional standards of food safety, hygiene, and presentation at all times.
- Manage food costs and contribute to budgeting and financial planning.
- Recruit, mentor, and develop junior pastry team members, building capability and confidence.
- Create a positive, respectful kitchen culture where teamwork, learning, and accountability are valued.
- Work closely with the General Manager and front-of-house team to ensure a seamless, memorable guest experience.
- What we’re looking for
- Proven experience as a Head Pastry Chef in a high-quality, high-volume kitchen, 2 + years
- A creative mind with a strong understanding of flavour, technique, and seasonality.
- Confident leadership and the ability to develop and inspire a team.
- Excellent organisation and attention to detail.
- Confidence working across multiple sites and managing production at scale.
- Key skills
- Exceptional pastry and baking skills with a strong creative vision.
- Confident leadership with the ability to build and inspire a high-performing team.
- Strong commercial understanding, including food cost management and production planning.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Calm under pressure with a collaborative and solutions-focused approach.
- Comfortable using relevant kitchen management and IT systems.
- A genuine passion for pastry, creativity, and the Ottolenghi ethos.
What’s in it for you?
- 33 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.
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Pastry Head Chef employer: Ottolenghi Edinburgh
Ottolenghi Edinburgh is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that celebrates creativity and collaboration. As the Head Pastry Chef, you will have the opportunity to lead a passionate team in a dynamic environment, with access to seasonal produce and a commitment to innovative dessert design. The company prioritises employee growth, providing opportunities for professional development and fostering a supportive atmosphere that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastry Head 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 Edinburgh. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Ottolenghi Edinburgh
Don't be shy about reaching out to Ottolenghi Edinburgh 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 Pastry Head 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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh
✨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!
