Head Pastry Chef Company of Cooks £60,000 per year London Operations

Chartwells Independent; London; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Chartwells Independent is searching for a Head Pastry Chef to lead the pastry section at their central production kitchen in Covent Garden. This senior role will involve overseeing a talented team, ensuring high standards in pastry and bread production, and contributing creatively to menu development for prestigious restaurants and events.

Benefits

Personal Development and Training opportunities

Private medical eligibility

Eye care

Great wellbeing strategy

Family friendly support

Regular social events

Professional subscriptions

Recognition schemes

Long service awards

High street discount vouchers

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in high-end or high-volume pastry environments.
• Experience in bread making: soda bread, brioche, focaccia, sourdough.
• Organised, methodical, and passionate about quality.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of 6 pastry chefs and bakers.
• Oversee production of pastry, dessert, and bread items.
• Develop menus that emphasize seasonality and quality.

Skills

Leadership

Attention to detail

Quality focus

Team collaboration

Education

Experience in high-end pastry environments

Bread-making skills

Job description

Craft, Creativity and Community – we are Company of Cooks! These are our values, and they go far beyond corporate waffle. In fact, they set the tone for everything we do. Company of Cooks have been working with some of the UK’s most cherished venues since 1996, delighting customers and clients alike with great food and drinks, brilliant service and an absolute focus on the details that make good restaurants, cafes and bars, great ones. In October 2019 the company was brought into the CH&CO family. The completion of the deal saw Company of Cooks become the group’s go-to operators in heritage and performance venues, art galleries and destinations. We are excited to be recruiting for a Head Pastry Chef.

Job Title: Head Pastry Chef

Reports To: Executive Chef

Team: 6 Pastry Chefs

We're looking for an exceptional Head Pastry Chef to lead the pastry section in our central production kitchen in Covent Garden HQ. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to be part of a visionary food and drink destination, serving two flagship restaurants and a dynamic, ever-evolving events programme. As one of the most senior leaders in the central kitchen, you’ll be at the heart of everything sweet, baked, and beautifully crafted—from daily fresh breads and pastries to signature brand desserts and show-stopping items for events. This section is the most important production area in the building, high visibility, high standards, and high expectations.

The Role

• Lead, manage, and inspire a team of 6 skilled pastry chefs and bakers.
• Oversee production for:
• A premium rooftop seafood and plant-based restaurant.
• Event catering ranging from intimate fine dining to large-scale bowl food, canapés, and buffet-style feasts.
• Be responsible for consistency, creativity, and execution of all pastry, dessert, and bread items.
• Create and maintain precise recipes, production schedules, and standards.
• Play a key role in menu development—seasonal, innovative, and always delicious.
• Maintain a strong focus on quality, sustainability, and using the best British produce.
• Ensure smooth logistics for daily distribution to all outlets from the central kitchen.
• Cultivate a learning, fun, and respectful team culture.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven leadership in high-end or high-volume pastry environments.
• Experience in bread making—soda bread, brioche, focaccia, sourdough and beyond.
• An obsession with detail and a passion for quality.
• Organised, methodical, and able to handle volume without losing finesse.
• A collaborative spirit and confidence to lead a key section in a high-profile kitchen.
• Strong understanding of consistency in multi-outlet production.
• A desire to create a kitchen known across London as the place for great bread and desserts.

Join us and ….

• Be part of one of London’s most exciting new hospitality projects.
• Work with a creative and forward-thinking executive team.
• Set the standard for one of the most important departments in the entire operation.
• Shape the pastry identity of two unique restaurants and an innovative events programme.
• Lead with autonomy, influence, and integrity

What's in it for you:

Working with Company of Cooks has its perks! People are at the heart of everything we do, so we've developed a range of benefits to keep you happy.

• Personal Development and Training opportunities
• Private medical eligibility
• Eye care
• A great wellbeing strategy – including access to our Employee Assistance Programme, salary finance
• Family friendly support
• Regular social events and communication with our leaders
• Professional subscriptions
• Recognition schemes and people awards
• Long service awards
• Access to some great high street discount vouchers

Job Reference: compass/TP/2711204/190517