Pastry Head Chef

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

At Ottolenghi, we’re known for vibrant food, busy delis, and restaurants full of energy—but what really matters is our people. We create environments where teams feel supported, take pride in what they do, and deliver a genuinely warm experience to every guest.

Ottolenghi Hampstead brings the warmth and creativity of our delis to one of London's most beloved neighbourhoods. Nestled in the heart of Hampstead village, our deli has become a cherished gathering place for the local community.

What you’ll do

• 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.

What we’re looking for

• 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.

Key skills

• Exceptional pastry and baking skills with a strong creative vision.
• Confident leadership with the ability to build and inspire a high-performing team.
• Strong commercial understanding, including food cost management and production planning.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Calm under pressure with a collaborative and solutions-focused approach.
• Comfortable using relevant kitchen management and IT systems.
• A genuine passion for pastry, creativity, and the Ottolenghi ethos.

What’s in it for you?

• 33 days annual leave per year, inclusive of bank holidays
• Delicious Ottolenghi staff meals on shift and generous staff discount
• Health and well-being support through our HSF healthcare plan (covering dental, optical, physiotherapy, and more), plus a 24/7 GP helpline and access to Perkbox discounts
• Refer a Friend Bonus: £500 for each successful referral
• Learning & Development opportunities including management coaching, WSET wine training, Ottolenghi Chef’s Academy workshops, and access to external courses
• A warm, inclusive working culture where individuality, growth, and creativity are celebrated
• Enhanced Parental Pay after two years’ service
• A special birthday treat to celebrate your day
• Exclusive workshops and demos, including cooking, food, wine, and cocktail sessions in the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen
• A collaborative and creative environment where your ideas are valued

If you care about great food, great people, and doing things properly, we'd love to hear from you.