Head Pastry Chef — Lead, Create & Inspire Pastry Team

Ottolenghi; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Staff meals

Staff discount

Healthcare plan

GP helpline

Perkbox discounts

Refer a Friend £500

Learning & Development

WSET wine training

Ottolenghi Chef’s Academy

External courses

Birthday treat

Cooking workshops

Job summary

Ottolenghi Hampstead seeks a Head Pastry Chef to lead and inspire the pastry team within a high-volume, quality-focused kitchen. You will design innovative dishes aligned with Ottolenghi's flavour philosophy, oversee production, ensure safety and presentation, and drive cost control.

Collaborate with General Manager and Test Kitchen teams, mentor junior staff, and cultivate a positive, respectful kitchen culture that values learning and accountability.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Head Pastry Chef in a high-quality, high-volume kitchen, 2+ years.
• A creative mind with a strong understanding of flavour, technique, and seasonality.
• Confident leadership and the ability to develop and inspire a team.
• Excellent organization and attention to detail.
• Confidence working across multiple sites and managing production at scale.

Responsibilities

• Lead, train, and motivate the pastry team, creating a positive and high-performing environment.
• Design and develop innovative dishes aligned with Ottolenghi’s flavour philosophy and seasonal ethos.
• Oversee production, quality control, and consistency across the pastry operation.
• Manage scheduling, ordering, stock control, and section organisation efficiently.
• Support menu development, specials, and seasonal launches in collaboration with the wider kitchen and Test Kitchen teams.
• Uphold exceptional standards of food safety, hygiene, and presentation at all times.
• Manage food costs and contribute to budgeting and financial planning.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop junior pastry team members, building capability and confidence.
• Create a positive, respectful kitchen culture where teamwork, learning, and accountability are valued.
• Work closely with the General Manager and front-of-house team to ensure a seamless, memorable guest experience.

Skills

Head Pastry Chef

Leadership

Food cost management

Production planning

Organizational skills

Food safety

Team development

Tools

Kitchen IT systems

Job description

Ottolenghi Hampstead seeks a Head Pastry Chef to lead and inspire the pastry team within a high-volume, quality-focused kitchen. You will design innovative dishes aligned with Ottolenghi's flavour philosophy, oversee production, ensure safety and presentation, and drive cost control.

Collaborate with General Manager and Test Kitchen teams, mentor junior staff, and cultivate a positive, respectful kitchen culture that values learning and accountability.