Dessert Chef

Sodexo; Taunton; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Full training and protective uniform

Mental health support

Employee assistance programme

Discounts and financial benefits

Career progression and apprenticeships

Cycle to Work Scheme

Volunteer opportunities

Job summary

King's College, Taunton, in partnership with Sodexo, is looking for a Pastry Chef to lead the pastry section, creating desserts, pastries, cakes and breads.

You will work with the Executive Chef to develop seasonal menus, maintain high standards of quality, presentation and taste, and manage stock and costs.

The role offers full training, protective uniform, health support benefits, and opportunities for career progression within a dynamic, supportive team.

Qualifications

• Experience leading a pastry section in a professional kitchen.
• Ability to create and present high-quality pastries, desserts and breads.
• Strong knowledge of food safety, allergen controls and hygiene.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the pastry section with high-quality production.
• Create, bake and present a wide variety of pastries, cakes and breads to a top standard.
• Develop seasonal menus and innovative pastry concepts with the Executive Chef.
• Manage pastry production, quality, consistency and cost control.
• Ensure all products meet Sodexo and King's College standards.
• Oversee food ordering, stock control and ingredient management in pastry.
• Maintain high standards of safety, hygiene and cleanliness.
• Support events with creative pastry offerings and collaborate with the team.
• Share knowledge and foster development within the kitchen.

Skills

Pastry production

Menu development

Food safety

Teamwork

Tools

Patisserie equipment

Sugar work tools

Job description

About the Role

As our Pastry Chef, you will have the opportunity to put your stamp on an evolving and ambitious food offering. Working closely with the Executive Chef and wider catering team, you will lead the pastry section, creating everything from elegant desserts and handcrafted pastries to celebration cakes, breads, and special event offerings.

This role is ideal for someone who takes genuine pride in their craft and enjoys balancing creativity with consistency. You'll be encouraged to bring fresh ideas to the table, develop seasonal menus, and showcase modern pastry techniques while ensuring every product meets the highest standards of quality, presentation, and taste.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the pastry section, ensuring smooth, efficient, and high-quality production.
• Create, prepare, bake and present a wide variety of pastries, desserts, cakes, breads and sweet treats to exceptional standards.
• Work alongside the Executive Chef to develop innovative seasonal menus and exciting new pastry concepts.
• Manage pastry production to achieve excellent quality, consistency, and cost control.
• Ensure all products are prepared, presented, and served in line with Sodexo and King's College standards.
• Take ownership of food ordering, stock control, and ingredient management within the pastry section.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, allergen control, hygiene, and cleanliness.
• Support hospitality events, functions, and special occasions with creative and memorable pastry offerings.
• Contribute positively to a collaborative kitchen culture that values development, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Help inspire those around you by sharing knowledge, skills, and a passion for exceptional food.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for a chef who is passionate about pastry and excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of catering at King's College.

The ideal candidate will be:

• Creative, ambitious, and driven to continually develop their skills.
• Passionate about producing high-quality pastries, desserts, and baked goods.
• Organised, reliable and able to thrive in a busy kitchen environment.
• Committed to maintaining the highest standards of food safety and hygiene.
• Customer-focused, with a strong understanding of how great food enhances the overall dining experience.
• A positive team player who enjoys working collaboratively and supporting others.

Why Join Us?

This is more than just a Pastry Chef role. It is an opportunity to join a department with a clear vision for the future, supported by an Executive Chef and leadership team committed to investing in people, encouraging creativity, and celebrating success.

Whether you're looking to take the next step in your pastry career or seeking an environment where your talent can truly flourish, King's College offers the opportunity to be part of something exciting, innovative, and rewarding.

Bring your passion, creativity, and ambition, and help us create something exceptional.

What We Offer:

• A dynamic and supportive work environment
• Competitive salary and benefits
• Full training and protective uniform provided
• 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!

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.

Package Description

You bring your passion for food. We'll bring our passion for developing our people

Job Title

Pastry Chef

Location

Kings College, South Road, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 3LA

Rate of Pay

£14.21 per hour

Hours

40 hours per week

Working pattern

5 days out of 7

Shift Times

6:15am -2:15pm and 11:45am -7:45pm

Contract

Full Time Contract with Overtime opportunities

Check your local transport links here: Plan Your Journey | Traveline TA1 3LA

Main Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day operation of the pastry section, ensuring smooth, efficient, and high-quality production.
• Create, prepare, bake and present a wide variety of pastries, desserts, cakes, breads and sweet treats to exceptional standards.
• Work alongside the Executive Chef to develop innovative seasonal menus and exciting new pastry concepts.
• Manage pastry production to achieve excellent quality, consistency, and cost control.
• Ensure all products are prepared, presented, and served in line with Sodexo and King's College standards.
• Take ownership of food ordering, stock control, and ingredient management within the pastry section.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, allergen control, hygiene, and cleanliness.
• Support hospitality events, functions, and special occasions with creative and memorable pastry offerings.
• Contribute positively to a collaborative kitchen culture that values development, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Help inspire those around you by sharing knowledge, skills, and a passion for exceptional food.

The Ideal Candidate

We're looking for a chef who is passionate about pastry and excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of catering at King's College.

The ideal candidate will be:

• Creative, ambitious, and driven to continually develop their skills.
• Passionate about producing high-quality pastries, desserts, and baked goods.
• Organised, reliable and able to thrive in a busy kitchen environment.
• Committed to maintaining the highest standards of food safety and hygiene.
• Customer-focused, with a strong understanding of how great food enhances the overall dining experience.
• A positive team player who enjoys working collaboratively and supporting others.

About The Company

About Sodexo

At Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better every day for everyone to build a better life for all. As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer. We are a forces friendly employer. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a diverse variety of experiences, backgrounds and identities. We encourage our employees to get involved with our Employee Networks such as Pride, Sodexo Parents & Carers, Sodexo Disability, Ability network, So Together, Generations and Origins.

We're a Disability Confident Leader employer. We're committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.

Click here to read more about what we do to promote an inclusive culture.