Assistant Pastry Chef

Sodexo Ltd; Bristol; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food service company is seeking an Assistant Pastry Chef in Bristol to oversee food operations in a collegiate environment. The ideal candidate will manage a large-scale kitchen while inspiring and training a dedicated team. You'll benefit from no unsociable hours, a competitive salary, and comprehensive training, allowing you to thrive in your culinary passion. Join us in creating a supportive culture that values well-being and progression.

Benefits

Unlimited access to mental health support

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• At least one year of hands-on cooking experience.
• Understanding of health and safety regulations.
• Ability to work under pressure in a busy kitchen.

Responsibilities

• Oversee food replenishment and maintain cleanliness.
• Develop and train kitchen staff.
• Manage and optimise catering operations.
• Maintain food quality and service standards.
• Lead menu creation and development.

Skills

Experience cooking on a large scale

Prior staff supervision or line management experience

Strong knowledge of fresh produce

Positive leadership

Education

NVQ Level 2

Level 2 Food Safety Certificate

Job description

Overview

Assistant Pastry Chef - Lead with Passion, Cook with Purpose!

Location: Clifton College, 32 College Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 3JH

Salary: £13.06 per hour
Hours: 40 per week
Working Pattern: 5 out of 7 days per week

Are you ready to take the lead in a kitchen where food fuels not just bodies but bright futures? As an Assistant Pastry Chef for Sodexo at Clifton College, you'll be at the heart of the school, overseeing food and beverage operations, managing budgets, and ensuring every meal is top-tier. Your leadership will inspire your team daily, creating a dynamic and productive work environment. Best of all? No unsociable hours and public holidays off—including Christmas!

Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the replenishment of food and ensure work areas are cleaned and maintained to a high standard
• Develop, mentor, and train kitchen staff to foster an inspiring team culture
• Manage and optimise all aspects of the catering operation, including labour, food, and stock costs
• Maintain consistency in food quality and service standards for staff, visitors, and students
• Lead menu creation and development to keep offerings fresh and exciting
• Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with food safety and hygiene regulations

What You Bring

Essential:

• Experience cooking on a large scale (100–1300 students)
• Experience following recipes in a professional kitchen
• Prior staff supervision or line management experience
• Strong knowledge of fresh produce and ingredient preparation
• Understanding of health and safety regulations and the ability to enforce them
• Ability to work under pressure in a busy kitchen environment
• Positive leadership, professionalism, and a passion for food
• Hold basic food handling certifications, including:
• NVQ Level 2
• Level 2 Food Safety Certificate
• At least one year of hands-on cooking experience (Training in Food Hygiene and Health & Safety provided)

What We Offer

• A dynamic and supportive work environment
• Competitive salary and benefits
• Full training and protective uniform provided
• No unsociable hours and public holidays off—including Christmas!
• 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

At Sodexo, we believe everyone deserves a place to belong. This isn’t just a job—it’s a chance to be part of something bigger. If you’re ready to lead with passion and cook with purpose, we want to hear from you!

Apply today and help us create a brighter future!

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 applications.