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- Tasks: Lead and inspire the pastry team while creating innovative dishes.
- Company: Join Ottolenghi, a vibrant restaurant known for its fresh, seasonal produce.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, delicious meals, and health support.
- Other info: Create a positive kitchen culture and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting new restaurant opening in Scotland and make your mark.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Head Pastry Chef with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ 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. We are now looking for a talented Pastry Chef to join our team and be part of something truly special from the very beginning.
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 organisation 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.
Pastry Head Chef in Edinburgh employer: Ottolenghi HQ & Test Kitchen
Contact Detail:
Ottolenghi HQ & Test Kitchen Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastry Head Chef in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the culinary world, especially those who might have ties to Ottolenghi. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the team and culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to meet the team or during interviews, bring along a portfolio of your best pastry creations. Let your work speak for itself and demonstrate how you align with Ottolenghi’s flavour philosophy.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to talk numbers! Brush up on your food cost management and production planning skills. Being able to discuss how you can contribute to budgeting and financial planning will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Ottolenghi family from the get-go.
We think you need these skills to ace Pastry Head Chef in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your love for pastry shine through! Share what excites you about creating desserts and how you align with Ottolenghi's vibrant ethos. We want to see your personality and creativity come alive on the page!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience as a Head Pastry Chef. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've led teams, developed innovative dishes, and maintained high standards. Tailoring your application to reflect our needs will definitely catch our eye!
Be Organised: A well-structured application speaks volumes about your organisational skills. Use clear headings, bullet points, and concise language to make it easy for us to read. Remember, attention to detail is key in both your application and the kitchen!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our team from the get-go!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ottolenghi HQ & Test Kitchen
✨Showcase Your Creativity
As a Pastry Head Chef, creativity is key! Prepare to discuss your innovative dishes and how they align with Ottolenghi’s flavour philosophy. Bring along a portfolio of your best work or even a few recipe ideas that highlight your understanding of seasonality.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Ottolenghi values strong leadership, so be ready to share examples of how you've motivated and developed your team in previous roles. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you turned them into opportunities for growth within your pastry team.
✨Know Your Numbers
Understanding food costs and production planning is crucial. Brush up on your knowledge of budgeting and financial planning related to pastry operations. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve managed costs effectively while maintaining quality in a high-volume kitchen.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Culture
Ottolenghi prides itself on a positive kitchen culture. Share your thoughts on building a respectful and collaborative environment. Think of examples where you’ve fostered teamwork and accountability, and how that contributed to a memorable guest experience.