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Do you have a passion for leading a team to create exquisite sweet and savoury desserts and bread?
Houston & Hawkes are looking for a Head Pastry Chef to join our fantastic team and take charge of crafting a variety of delicious pastries and cakes.
Head Pastry Chef Duties:
- Oversee and lead the pastry section, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations
- Develop and create a wide range of pastries, desserts, and baked goods, including bespoke creations
- Mentor, train, and manage the pastry team to ensure high standards are maintained
- Collaborate with the Head Chef and Hospitality Manager to plan menus and tailor desserts for special events
- Innovate and develop new and exciting recipes for fine dining and coffee menus
- Ensure all pastry items meet consistent quality, flavour, and presentation standards
- Manage the stock of ingredients, order supplies, and maintain budgets for the pastry section
- Maintain a clean, organised, and efficient working environment, adhering to health and safety regulations
- Experiment with recipes to cater for dietary requirements, such as gluten-free and sugar-free desserts
- Uphold and enhance the companys reputation for creativity and quality through exceptional pastry offerings
Head Pastry Chef Requirements:
- A genuine passion for baking and culinary innovation
- Proven experience leading a pastry team in a professional kitchen
- Strong leadership and mentoring skills
- Expertise in baking techniques, artistic decoration, and dessert design
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills
- Ability to work under pressure and maintain high standards
- Experience working in contract catering, high-end restaurants, or 5-star hotels
- Certificate in culinary arts, pastry-making, or a related field (preferred)
- Strong knowledge of allergen awareness, food safety, and hygiene principles
- Exceptional creativity and attention to detail
- Familiarity with a range of baking and kitchen equipment
Head Pastry Chef Additional Benefits:
- Recognized as one of the Top 20 Companies to Work in Hospitality.
- The opportunity to work closely with the Director of Food and receive tailored support.
- An exciting menu featuring innovative concepts and cuisines to showcase your creativity.
- The chance to lead and inspire a team of chefs, fostering growth and excellence.
- Contributary pension scheme
- Free access to the company Employee Assistant Programme
- Life assurance at two times salary
- Company events including all company Christmas party
- Recognition schemes and people awards
- Family-friendly support, including enhanced maternity and paternity leave and adoption leave
- Day off on your birthday
- Referral bonuses
- Training and development opportunities
Houston & Hawkes is a young and dynamic independent caterer based in the South East. We are proud to be an award-winning company, ranked among the top 30 companies to work for in the hospitality industry, and the first certified B Corp catering company. We believe in creating memorable experiences for our customers through our vibrant, creative, and sustainable food offerings. Committed to social responsibility, passionate about Great British produce and dedicated to our talented teams.
Join Houston & Hawkes and be part of a team that values excellence, creativity, and professional growth!
