Job Description
Overview Ottolenghi began in a small deli on Notting Hill's Ledbury Road in 2002. From there, we've developed a style of cooking and hospitality rooted in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean traditions, that also draws in diverse influences and ingredients from around the world. Our commitment to the championing of vegetables & unusual ingredients, has led to what some call The Ottolenghi effect- a shorthand for the creation of a meal full of colour, flavour and joy. Over 20 years, we have become a proud family of delis and restaurants where you’ll find vibrant food, low intervention wines, and warm hospitality. We offer lifelong careers, foster talent, and put people at the heart of everything that we do. About the Role At Ottolenghi, food is at the heart of everything we do, but people are what make us exceptional. Located within the iconic Bicester Village, our vibrant deli, restaurant and retail space welcomes guests from across the UK and around the world. As Pastry Sous Chef, you will support the Head Pastry Chef in overseeing the day-to-day operation of the pastry kitchen, ensuring every product is prepared and presented to the highest standard. You will lead by example, inspire and develop your team, and help drive innovation across our pastry offering. From cakes and desserts to seasonal specials and new product launches, you'll play an important role in maintaining the creativity and excellence that guests expect from Ottolenghi. Responsibilities What you'll be doing: Support the Head Pastry Chef in the day-to-day running of the pastry kitchen. Lead and manage the pastry team in the absence of the Head Pastry Chef, ensuring high-quality preparation and presentation throughout. Continuously assess and improve kitchen processes to enhance efficiency and quality. Manage food costs, including stock takes, to ensure profitability and budget targets are met. Maintain exceptional standards of food hygiene and safety across the pastry section. Mentor and develop junior pastry team members, sharing knowledge and building confidence. Contribute to menu development, seasonal specials, and new pastry product launches. Collaborate with the wider kitchen and front-of-house teams to deliver a seamless guest experience. Qualifications What we're looking for: Proven experience as a Pastry Sous Chef in a quality kitchen environment, 2+ years A genuine passion for cake, pastry, and baked goods, with a strong track record of delivering high-quality food. Someone who is generous, kind, and dedicated, and who leads with care for both their team and their craft. Confidence to take ownership and lead the section independently when required. A collaborative approach and a genuine desire to develop others. Key skills Strong technical pastry skills with a creative eye for flavour and presentation. Ability to lead and motivate a team in a calm and supportive manner. Confident managing stock, food costs, and production planning. High attention to detail and a commitment to consistency. Well-organised and able to manage multiple priorities during busy service. Comfortable using relevant kitchen systems and tools. A genuine passion for pastry, baking, and continuous improvement. What's in it for you: 28 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 Our culture At Ottolenghi, we celebrate individuality, creativity and collaboration. We believe great hospitality starts with a great team environment. You'll be surrounded by passionate people who care deeply about food, service and supporting one another. We invest in our people, encourage personal growth and create opportunities for long-term careers. If you care about great food, great people, and doing things properly, we'd love to hear from you.
What we're looking for: Proven experience as a Pastry Sous Chef in a quality kitchen environment, 2+ years A genuine passion for cake, pastry, and baked goods, with a strong track record of delivering high-quality food. Someone who is generous, kind, and dedicated, and who leads with care for both their team and their craft. Confidence to take ownership and lead the section independently when required. A collaborative approach and a genuine desire to develop others. Key skills Strong technical pastry skills with a creative eye for flavour and presentation. Ability to lead and motivate a team in a calm and supportive manner. Confident managing stock, food costs, and production planning. High attention to detail and a commitment to consistency. Well-organised and able to manage multiple priorities during busy service. Comfortable using relevant kitchen systems and tools. A genuine passion for pastry, baking, and continuous improvement. What's in it for you: 28 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 Our culture At Ottolenghi, we celebrate individuality, creativity and collaboration. We believe great hospitality starts with a great team environment. You'll be surrounded by passionate people who care deeply about food, service and supporting one another. We invest in our people, encourage personal growth and create opportunities for long-term careers. If you care about great food, great people, and doing things properly, we'd love to hear from you.
What you'll be doing: Support the Head Pastry Chef in the day-to-day running of the pastry kitchen. Lead and manage the pastry team in the absence of the Head Pastry Chef, ensuring high-quality preparation and presentation throughout. Continuously assess and improve kitchen processes to enhance efficiency and quality. Manage food costs, including stock takes, to ensure profitability and budget targets are met. Maintain exceptional standards of food hygiene and safety across the pastry section. Mentor and develop junior pastry team members, sharing knowledge and building confidence. Contribute to menu development, seasonal specials, and new pastry product launches. Collaborate with the wider kitchen and front-of-house teams to deliver a seamless guest experience.