At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the pastry section, creating innovative desserts and managing kitchen operations.
- Company: The Store Hotel, a luxury lifestyle hotel in Oxford with a rich heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, meals on duty, training, discounts, and fun team events.
- Other info: Be part of a community-focused company committed to sustainability and innovation.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic kitchen team and unleash your creativity in a unique culinary environment.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Pastry Chef with strong technical skills and leadership abilities.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
The Store Hotel is a lifestyle luxury hotel set in the heart of Oxford. We sit in the building of the historic department store and Oxford institution, Boswells. Our 101-bedroom hotel will delight guests with a sense of curiosity and wonder, reflecting the rich heritage of the building’s former life. Untraditionally British, you can expect the unexpected at our restaurant, Treadwell. Our restaurant plays with locally sourced produce and the diverse influences that shape Oxford. It is incredibly British, but perhaps not as people have experienced before.
We are looking for an exceptional and passionate Pastry Chef to lead our pastry offering. This is an exciting opportunity for a talented individual with creativity, precision, and a genuine love for pastry to join a dynamic kitchen team and play a key role in delivering memorable guest experiences.
You will be responsible for assisting the Head Chef with designing, producing, and continuously developing high-quality desserts, pastries, breads, and sweet offerings across our restaurant, ensuring consistency, innovation, and excellence in every detail. Supporting the wider kitchen operation beyond pastry, including leading main kitchen service when required. Deputise for the Head Chef in their absence, overseeing kitchen operations, service standards, team management, and food quality across all sections. Maintain a hands-on approach within the kitchen and contribute to broader menu development and operational delivery.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the pastry section and oversee all day-to-day pastry operations.
- Create and develop seasonal dessert menus, breads, and baked goods.
- Ensure all pastry dishes are prepared and presented to the highest standards.
- Manage ordering, stock control, and food cost within budget targets.
- Maintain excellent food hygiene and health & safety standards.
- Train, mentor, and inspire junior chefs.
- Work collaboratively with the wider kitchen and front-of-house teams.
- Drive innovation and bring fresh ideas to enhance the guest experience.
- Monitor quality, consistency, and portion control across all pastry outputs.
- Support with menu tastings, special events, and business initiatives.
- Proven experience as a Pastry Chef or Senior Pastry Sous Chef in a high-quality restaurant, hotel, or luxury hospitality environment.
- Strong technical pastry skills.
- Creative flair with a passion for seasonal ingredients and contemporary presentation.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
- Strong understanding of food safety and kitchen compliance.
- Leadership experience with the ability to develop and motivate a team.
- Calm under pressure with a positive and proactive attitude.
- Meals on duty
- Ongoing training provided - both in house and external
- Apprenticeships
- Career progression and development - we invest in our people
- Royal Cars taxis 50% discount for our people to and from work
- Refer a Friend Scheme (£250 for general referrals and £500 if you refer a chef)
- Review bonus and scheme (£50, £100, £200, E Bike's, Smart TV's and International overnight stays for 50 reviews plus)
- Access to Wagestream
- 25% off treatments in our spa and 50% off products
- Discount on rooms and food and beverage
- Hospitality Rewards: access to health and wellbeing benefits and perks for everyone (high street discount, restaurants, and Employee Assistance)
- Opportunities to win raffle prizes
- Exceptional induction game and programme
- Opportunities to socialise and celebrate big moments together
- Team Awards and socials
- Fundraising initiatives - we support the community
- Go green - come and work with a company that are committed to creating a greener planet
At The Store, we value diversity. We are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment as we believe diversity fosters a more innovative, creative, dynamic, and nurturing culture. We are striving to create a culture that fully represents our four brand pillars: Legacy, Discovery, Innovation and Community – including all the communities we serve. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, age, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, family or parental status, or disability status.
Pastry Chef in Oxford employer: The Store Oxford
Contact Detail:
The Store Oxford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pastry Chef in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! If you want to stand out as a Pastry Chef, show up at the hotel and ask for a trial shift. This gives you a chance to showcase your skills in real-time and get a feel for the kitchen vibe.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend local culinary events or workshops in Oxford. Chat with other chefs and industry folks; you never know who might have a lead on job openings or collaborations.
✨Tip Number 3
Bring your A-game to interviews! Prepare a portfolio of your best pastry creations and be ready to discuss your creative process. Show them how you can bring innovation to their dessert menu!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at The Store.
We think you need these skills to ace Pastry Chef in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your love for pastry shine through! Share your journey and what inspires you to create those mouth-watering desserts. We want to see that spark of creativity and passion in your words.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Pastry Chef at The Store Hotel. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in high-quality restaurants or luxury hospitality. We’re looking for those standout moments that showcase your skills and achievements!
Be Specific About Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; give us examples! Talk about your technical pastry skills, your experience with seasonal ingredients, and how you've led a team. We want to know how you can bring innovation and excellence to our 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 join our team at The Store!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Store Oxford
✨Know Your Pastry Inside Out
Before the interview, brush up on your pastry knowledge. Be ready to discuss your favourite techniques, seasonal ingredients, and any innovative desserts you've created. This shows your passion and expertise, which is exactly what The Store Hotel is looking for.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to share ideas for unique dessert menus or special offerings that reflect the hotel's ethos of 'incredibly British, but perhaps not as people have experienced before.' Think outside the box and be ready to explain how you would incorporate local produce into your creations.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since the role involves mentoring junior chefs and potentially deputising for the Head Chef, be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Share examples of how you've inspired a team or handled pressure in a busy kitchen environment. This will highlight your ability to thrive in a dynamic setting.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with The Store's brand pillars: Legacy, Discovery, Innovation, and Community. During the interview, weave these concepts into your responses. Show how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding community engagement and sustainability, which are important to them.