At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a talented pastry team while creating innovative dishes.
- Company: Join Ottolenghi, a vibrant restaurant brand committed to fresh, seasonal produce.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, delicious staff meals, and health support.
- Other info: Collaborative kitchen culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting new restaurant opening in Edinburgh and make your mark.
- 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. 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.
Lead Pastry Chef — Edinburgh, Creative & High-Volume employer: Ottolenghi Limited.
At Ottolenghi, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and supportive work culture where creativity thrives and every team member is valued. As we embark on our exciting journey in Edinburgh, we offer exceptional benefits including 33 days of annual leave, delicious staff meals, and comprehensive health support, all while providing ample opportunities for personal and professional growth in a dynamic, high-volume environment. Join us to be part of something special from the ground up, where your passion for pastry can truly shine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Pastry Chef — Edinburgh, Creative & High-Volume
✨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 sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, bring a sample of your pastry creations to an informal meet-up or event. Nothing speaks louder than delicious treats when it comes to showcasing your talent.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings. Reach out directly to the Ottolenghi team through our website and express your interest. A personal touch can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on trends! Keep an eye on seasonal ingredients and innovative pastry techniques. Being knowledgeable about what’s hot in the culinary scene will help you stand out during interviews.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Pastry Chef — Edinburgh, Creative & High-Volume
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your love for pastry shine through! Share your creative ideas and how they align with Ottolenghi's vibrant ethos. We want to see your personality and passion for food!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Pastry Chef role. Highlight your experience in high-volume kitchens and any leadership roles you've had. We’re looking for someone who can inspire a team, so showcase those skills!
Be Specific About Your Experience:In your application, be specific about your past experiences. Talk about the innovative dishes you've created and how you've managed production and quality control. We want to know how you’ve made an impact in your previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Ottolenghi Edinburgh. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ottolenghi Limited.
✨Show Off Your Creativity
As a Lead Pastry 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 to showcase your skills and unique style.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Ottolenghi values confident 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.
✨Know Your Numbers
Understanding food costs and production planning is crucial. Brush up on your commercial knowledge and be prepared to discuss how you've managed budgets and controlled costs in high-volume kitchens. This will show that you can contribute to the restaurant's financial success.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Culture
Ottolenghi is all about creating a positive kitchen culture. Be ready to talk about how you foster teamwork and accountability among your staff. Share stories that highlight your collaborative approach and how you’ve built a respectful environment in past kitchens.
