Chef de Partie, Chocolatier

Maison Estelle; Witney; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discounts

Uniforms provided

Cycle to Work

Pension & life assurance

Job summary

Estelle Manor is seeking a Chef de Partie, Chocolatier to lead pastry and chocolate preparation within our rural Oxfordshire estate. You will deliver high-quality desserts, pralines and truffles while upholding the kitchen’s culinary vision.

You’ll contribute to menu development, maintain strong standards, and mentor junior chefs in a collaborative, fast-paced environment at our manor restaurants.

Qualifications

• Strong chocolate tempering and crystallisation knowledge.
• Skilled in moulding, enrobing, dipping and finishing.
• Produce pralines, bonbons, truffles, ganaches and chocolate bars.
• Knowledge of emulsions, caramels, fillings and decorations.
• Accurate recipe execution and consistent quality.
• Food hygiene, HACCP and allergen awareness.
• Chocolate storage, shelf-life and temperature control.
• Organise and run the chocolate section efficiently; support and supervise junior chefs.

Responsibilities

• Involved in full preparation of all pastry and chocolate.
• Deliver delicious food and drink with high-quality ingredients.
• Support senior team with developing innovative menus.

Skills

Chocolate tempering

Moulding & enrobing

Pralines & bonbons

Ganaches & fillings

Decorations & emulsions

Food hygiene & HACCP

Job description

Who are we?

Estelle Manor is a rural retreat set on an 85-acre estate in Oxfordshire. The manor has four restaurants, an extraordinary 3,000 sq metre Roman-inspired spa- Eynsham Baths, 108 bedrooms and a gym with class studios and padel courts. Plus, there’s a kids’ club for the little ones and a workspace.

We are looking for an Chef de Partie, Chocolatier to join our team.

The on target earning potential for this role is £38,590 per annum based on a 45 hour contract - comprising a base salary of £31,590, plus a qualified estimate of £7,000 in gratuities and service charge*. Please note this role is paid hourly so this is a projected salary and OTE.

Here's a bit more detail on what we see you doing in this role:

• As a Chef de Partie, you will be involved in full preparation of all pastry and chocolate. Delivering delicious food and drink is at the heart of what we do. With a focus on simple pastries, using high quality ingredients throughout our menus, you will be consistent in delivering service that delights.
• You will play a key part in delivering the food vision and maintaining the concept for our kitchen, as well as helping to support the senior team with developing innovative menus and identifying new culinary opportunities.
• Maintaining the highest culinary standards through clear communication, recognising performance, embracing change and helping to create a healthy working culture.

Who we are looking for?

• Strong chocolate tempering and crystallisation knowledge
• Skilled in moulding, enrobing, dipping and finishing
• Produce pralines, bonbons, truffles, ganaches and chocolate bars
• Knowledge of emulsions, caramels, fillings and decorations
• Accurate recipe execution and consistent quality
• Food hygiene, HACCP and allergen awareness
• Chocolate storage, shelf-life and temperature control
• Organise and run the chocolate section efficientlySupport and supervise junior chefs

What’s in it for you?

At Estelle, we prioritize your well-being and growth, offering a range of perks to enrich your experience. Enjoy exclusive staff rates, biannual socials, and Estelleversary surprises. Nurture your well-being with stocked colleague spaces. Engage in forums shaping The Estelle Way. Utilise the provided uniforms and onsite seamstress support. Join us for a fulfilling journey where you are valued, supported, and celebrated.

Here at Estelle, we want to create a unified culture and sense of belonging throughout. We have a range of perks and benefits at your fingertips:

• Biannual company socials plus smaller social and sports groups.
• 50% F&B discounts at all 4 manor restaurants.
• Estelleversary gifting for all employees.
• Colleague spaces stocked with food, drinks and a selection of juices, teas and coffees.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Added protection of our pension and life assurance schemes.
• Perkbox - our colleague benefits platform, providing access to a wide range of exclusive discounts, rewards and wellbeing resources designed to support you both inside and outside of work.
• 28 days holiday, inclusive of bank holidays, which increases with length of service.
• Colleague Forums and Sustainability Committees to help create The Estelle Way.
• Recommend-a-friend bonus scheme.
• Uniform provided, cleaned, and pressed.
• Onsite seamstresses to ensure your uniform is fitted and repaired.

About gratuities & service charge:

• Gratuities (tips) and service charge are paid on a pro-rata basis regardless of your role.
• It is estimated that in 2026, our full-time employees can expect to receive in the range of £7,000 in addition to their annual salary.