Dessert Chef in Taunton

Job introduction

About the Role

As our Pastry Chef, you will have the opportunity to put your stamp on an evolving and ambitious food offering. Working closely with the Executive Chef and wider catering team, you will lead the pastry section, creating everything from elegant desserts and handcrafted pastries to celebration cakes, breads, and special event offerings.

This role is ideal for someone who takes genuine pride in their craft and enjoys balancing creativity with consistency. You'll be encouraged to bring fresh ideas to the table, develop seasonal menus, and showcase modern pastry techniques while ensuring every product meets the highest standards of quality, presentation, and taste.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the pastry section, ensuring smooth, efficient, and high-quality production.
• Create, prepare, bake and present a wide variety of pastries, desserts, cakes, breads and sweet treats to exceptional standards.
• Work alongside the Executive Chef to develop innovative seasonal menus and exciting new pastry concepts.
• Manage pastry production to achieve excellent quality, consistency, and cost control.
• Ensure all products are prepared, presented, and served in line with Sodexo and King's College standards.
• Take ownership of food ordering, stock control, and ingredient management within the pastry section.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, allergen control, hygiene, and cleanliness.
• Support hospitality events, functions, and special occasions with creative and memorable pastry offerings.
• Contribute positively to a collaborative kitchen culture that values development, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Help inspire those around you by sharing knowledge, skills, and a passion for exceptional food.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a chef who is passionate about pastry and excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of catering at King's College.

The ideal candidate will be:

• Creative, ambitious, and driven to continually develop their skills.
• Passionate about producing high-quality pastries, desserts, and baked goods.
• Organised, reliable and able to thrive in a busy kitchen environment.
• Committed to maintaining the highest standards of food safety and hygiene.
• Customer-focused, with a strong understanding of how great food enhances the overall dining experience.
• A positive team player who enjoys working collaboratively and supporting others.

Why Join Us?

This is more than just a Pastry Chef role. It is an opportunity to join a department with a clear vision for the future, supported by an Executive Chef and leadership team committed to investing in people, encouraging creativity, and celebrating success.

Whether you're looking to take the next step in your pastry career or seeking an environment where your talent can truly flourish, King's College offers the opportunity to be part of something exciting, innovative, and rewarding.

Bring your passion, creativity, and ambition, and help us create something exceptional.

What We Offer:

• A dynamic and supportive work environment
• Competitive salary and benefits
• Full training and protective uniform provided
• Unlimited access to mental health and wellbeing support
• Employee Assistance Programme for legal, financial, and personal support
• Discounts, cashback schemes, and financial benefits
• Career progression, learning opportunities, and apprenticeships
• Cycle to Work Scheme and volunteering opportunities

Note: Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding children. All roles require pre-employment screening, including DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) and past employer checks.

Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applicants

What you'll do

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the pastry section, ensuring smooth, efficient, and high-quality production.
• Create, prepare, bake and present a wide variety of pastries, desserts, cakes, breads and sweet treats to exceptional standards.
• Work alongside the Executive Chef to develop innovative seasonal menus and exciting new pastry concepts.
• Manage pastry production to achieve excellent quality, consistency, and cost control.
• Ensure all products are prepared, presented, and served in line with Sodexo and King's College standards.
• Take ownership of food ordering, stock control, and ingredient management within the pastry section.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, allergen control, hygiene, and cleanliness.
• Support hospitality events, functions, and special occasions with creative and memorable pastry offerings.
• Contribute positively to a collaborative kitchen culture that values development, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Help inspire those around you by sharing knowledge, skills, and a passion for exceptional food.

What you'll bring

We're looking for a chef who is passionate about pastry and excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of catering at King's College.

The ideal candidate will be:

• Creative, ambitious, and driven to continually develop their skills.
• Passionate about producing high-quality pastries, desserts, and baked goods.
• Organised, reliable and able to thrive in a busy kitchen environment.
• Committed to maintaining the highest standards of food safety and hygiene.
• Customer-focused, with a strong understanding of how great food enhances the overall dining experience.
• A positive team player who enjoys working collaboratively and supporting others.

Why Sodexo?

You bring your passion for food. We’ll bring our passion for developing our people

Job Title Pastry Chef

Location Kings College, South Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 3LA

Rate of Pay £14.21 per hour

Hours 40 hours per week

Working pattern 5 days out of 7

Shift Times 6:15am -2:15pm and 11:45am -7:45pm

Full Time Contract with Overtime opportunities

Check your local transport links here: Plan Your Journey | Traveline TA1 3LA

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