Lead Pastry Chef

Sodexo; Hassocks; On-site; GBP 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Dynamic environment

Competitive salary

Training provided

Mental health support

EAP

Job summary

Sodexo is seeking a Lead Pastry Chef at Hurstpierpoint College to lead the pastry kitchen, craft desserts and seasonal menus, and oversee events.

You will manage stock, control food costs and uphold food safety standards while mentoring a pastry team in a dynamic school environment.

Qualifications

• Significant pastry experience in a professional kitchen.
• Strong pastry skills and ability to create exceptional desserts.
• Creative menu development and presentation.
• Excellent time management under pressure.
• Experience leading and developing a pastry team.
• Relevant culinary qualifications (NVQ or equivalent).
• Food Hygiene qualification would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the pastry kitchen, ensuring exceptional quality, consistency and presentation across all desserts, pastries and baked goods.
• Create innovative menus and seasonal offerings that delight pupils, staff and guests.
• Support the delivery of hospitality and special events, producing high-quality food for a range of occasions.
• Manage stock, ordering, food costs and wastage to ensure an efficient and well-run operation.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, allergen management and health & safety compliance.
• Coach, motivate and develop members of the pastry team, fostering a positive and collaborative working environment.

Skills

Pastry leadership

Menu development

Food safety

Team leadership

Time management

Education

NVQ or equivalent

Food Hygiene qualification

Job description

Contract 6 - 12 months

Position Lead Pastry Chef

LocationHurstpierpoint College, College Lane, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks,

Salary£17.50

Days per week 5 out of 6 (Monday to Saturday)

Hours between 18 and 30 per week - variable and flexible

Working Pattern Tuesday and Thursdays 17:00 - 22:00, Saturday 10:00 - 18:00, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 16:00 - 20:00

Plan Your Journey | Traveline BN6 9JS.

Hurstpierpoint College (known as Hurst) is a thriving co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 4 to 18, Located between Haywards Heath and Brighton, with excellent transport links to London and an extensive network of school transport services across Sussex, Surrey and Kent, Combining a rich heritage with a forward-thinking approach to education, Hurst provides an inspiring environment in which pupils and staff can flourish.

The College comprises a Junior Prep School, Senior Prep School, Senior School and Sixth Form, educating over 1,300 pupils.Alongside day places, Hurst offers flexible, weekly and full boarding options, creating a vibrant and diverse school community.

As an employer, Hurst is a welcoming and ambitious community of around 480 staff, united by a shared commitment to helping young people achieve their personal best and preparing them for success in their future lives and careers.

What You'll Do:

• Lead the pastry kitchen, ensuring exceptional quality, consistency and presentation across all desserts, pastries and baked goods.
• Create innovative menus and seasonal offerings that delight pupils, staff and guests.
• Support the delivery of hospitality and special events, producing high-quality food for a range of occasions.
• Manage stock, ordering, food costs and wastage to ensure an efficient and well-run operation.
• Maintain the highest standards of food safety, allergen management and health & safety compliance.
• Coach, motivate and develop members of the pastry team, fostering a positive and collaborative working environment.

What You Bring:

• Significant pastry experience within a professional kitchen environment.
• Strong technical pastry skills and a passion for creating exceptional food.
• A creative and innovative approach to menu development and presentation.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to perform under pressure.
• Experience leading, motivating and developing team members.
• A commitment to high standards, customer service excellence and continuous improvement.
• Relevant culinary qualifications (NVQ or equivalent) and a Food Hygiene qualification would be advantageous.

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

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.