Commis Pastry Chef

Sodexo Ltd; Buckler's Park; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food service provider is seeking a Commis Pastry Chef to oversee operations in a dynamic kitchen environment at Wellington College. You will inspire and manage a team, ensuring top-tier meal quality and staff development. The role offers no unsociable hours, public holidays off, and comprehensive support services. Candidates should possess hands-on cooking experience, strong leadership skills, and relevant food safety certifications. Apply today and be part of something bigger!

Benefits

Competitive salary

Dynamic work environment

Mental health support

Employee assistance programme

Career progression opportunities

Cycle to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Experience cooking on a large-scale for 100–1300 students.
• Prior staff supervision or line management experience.
• Strong knowledge of fresh produce and ingredient preparation.
• Basic food handling certifications are essential.
• At least one year of hands-on cooking experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee food replenishment and maintain clean work areas.
• Develop, mentor, and train kitchen staff.
• Manage all aspects of the catering operation.
• Maintain food quality and service standards.
• Lead menu creation and audits for compliance.

Skills

Cooking on a large scale

Following recipes

Staff supervision

Knowledge of fresh produce

Health and safety understanding

Working under pressure

Positive leadership

Food handling certification

Education

NVQ Level 2

Level 2 Food Safety Certificate

Job description

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

Location: Wellington College, Dukes Ride, Crowthorne, Berkshire, RG45 7PU

Salary: £15.00 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 a Commis Pastry Chef at Wellington 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.

What You’ll Do

• 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.