Head Pastry Chef

University Arms, Cambridge; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals on duty

Team events

Room and FB discounts across Marriott

Refer a friend – up to £400 referral

Job summary

University Arms Cambridge is seeking an experienced Head Pastry Chef to lead the pastry section of our 192-bed design-led hotel, renowned for culinary excellence. You will own the pastry operation, developing outstanding desserts and baked goods while upholding the highest standards of quality, presentation and organisation.

The role requires strong leadership, creativity and expertise in costing, wastage management, and allergy/hygiene practices.

Qualifications

• Proven high-level pastry skills in a 5-star setting.
• Strong leadership to manage and inspire the pastry team.
• Ability to design seasonal desserts and new menu ideas.
• Experience with GP, costing, wastage management, and stock control.
• Excellent spoken and written English communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the day-to-day pastry operation.
• Create and develop seasonal desserts, pastries and new menu ideas.
• Maintain consistently high standards of taste, presentation and quality.
• Train, support and inspire members of the pastry and kitchen team.
• Manage ordering, stock control, food costs and minimise waste.
• Ensure excellent food hygiene, allergen awareness and health and safety standards.
• Work closely with the wider kitchen and management teams.

Skills

Pastry expertise

Leadership

Menu development

Costing & wastage

English communication

Education

Professional chef qualification

Job description

Sponsorship may be available under the Skilled Worker transitional arrangements for eligible applicants.

To be considered, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• You must have been granted your first Skilled Worker (or Tier 2 General) visa before 4 April 2024.
• You must have held continuous Skilled Worker permission since that date. Breaks in employment will mean you are not eligible.
• If your Skilled Worker permission has been cancelled, curtailed, or has expired without a valid continuation of permission, you may not qualify.
• Applicants who were granted their first Skilled Worker visa on or after 5 April 2024 are not eligible for the transitional arrangements.

Applicants will be asked to provide evidence of their immigration history to confirm they meet the transitional eligibility requirements.

The successful applicant will be responsible for paying their own Skilled Worker visa application fee, Immigration Health Surcharge and any associated personal immigration costs. The Company will pay all sponsorship costs that it is legally required to pay.

PAY

No staff accommodation is provided.

ABOUT US

University Arms is a 192-bedroom design-led Hotel situated in the heart of Cambridge, United Kingdom. Overlooking Parker’s Piece is the Hotel’s quintessentially British Restaurant and Bar, Parker’s Tavern, Library Lounge, and beautiful 272 square metre wood-panelled Ballroom.

Opened in 1834 as a Coaching Inn, University Arms is Cambridge’s oldest Hotel. For 180 years, the Hotel was added to, updated, and modernised in line with the age; however, it was the reopening in 2018 after a four-year £80m full renovation that really positioned the Hotel. It is now Cambridge's 'go-to’ destination, alluring visitors with the promise of a sense of modern luxury.

THE ROLE

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced pastry professional who combines strong technical skills with creativity and confident leadership. You’ll take ownership of the pastry section, developing outstanding desserts and baked products while ensuring the highest standards of quality, presentation, and organisation.

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING

• Lead and manage the day-to-day pastry operation.
• Create and develop seasonal desserts, pastries and new menu ideas.
• Maintain consistently high standards of taste, presentation and quality.
• Train, support and inspire members of the pastry and kitchen team.
• Manage ordering, stock control, food costs and minimise waste.
• Ensure excellent food hygiene, allergen awareness and health and safety standards.
• Work closely with the wider kitchen and management teams.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR IN YOU

• We are looking for a talented and ambitious Head Pastry Chef with essential experience gained in a high-quality 5-star operation (Minimum 2 years).
• An excellent standard of culinary techniques is required, and the ability to demonstrate innovation and creativity.
• Creative menu design/development and ideas.
• Extensive knowledge of various pastry techniques, flavours, and trends.
• Likes to be hands-on and lead the team from the front.
• Experience with GP, costing, wastage management, ordering, stock, etc.
• Likes to train and develop others.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations, with the ability to uphold strict standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
• Competent level of English, spoken and written.
• Must be available to work a varied schedule including early and late shifts, weekends, and bank holidays.

THE PERKS

As well as the opportunity to work with a fantastic team in an exceptional property, the position comes with:

• Free meals on duty
• Team Member Parties
• Room and FB discounts across the Marriott portfolio
• Refer a friend – who do you know who could be interested in a new role? When they are placed, you could earn up to £400 for referring them!

RIGHT TO WORK

If you don't require sponsorship - In line with UK immigration legislation, all applicants must have the right to work in the UK or be eligible to obtain permission to work under the Skilled Worker route. Documentary evidence of eligibility will be required as part of the recruitment process.