Head Pastry Chef

• Proven experience in a leadership or senior chef role within pastry or restaurant kitchens
• Strong technical knowledge of pastry and dessert preparation
• Ability to lead, train, and motivate a kitchen team
• Excellent understanding of food cost control, stock management, and portion control
• Knowledge of hygiene, health, and safety regulations
• Hands-on, proactive, and detail-oriented approach to kitchen management

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• A key leadership role with real responsibility
• Opportunities for professional development and progression
• A supportive, high-quality food environment where creativity is encouraged

An exciting opportunity has arisen at Holt Garden Centre.

Are you passionate about pastry, desserts, and delivering exceptional culinary experiences? We're looking for a Head Pastry Chef to lead our kitchen brigade, maintain high food standards, and create memorable dishes that keep our customers coming back.

About the Opportunity:
We are seeking an ambitious and creative Head Pastry Chef to take full operational and culinary responsibility for the pastry kitchen. You'll lead a talented team, control food quality, cost, and presentation, and ensure the kitchen runs smoothly while exceeding customer expectations.

This is a hands-on leadership role, offering genuine ownership and a clear pathway for progression within a premium retail and dining environment.

• Leading and developing the kitchen brigade, ensuring a high standard of food quality and presentation
• Planning menus, recipes, and costings to achieve budgeted food cost and gross profit targets
• Allocating duties and supervising kitchen staff in baking and preparation, providing technical advice and guidance
• Personally preparing dishes and setting up pastry displays
• Controlling portion sizes, monitoring waste, and training staff on consistency and quality
• Inspecting dishes before service to ensure they meet company standards
• Managing stock, supplies, and equipment in line with company policies, including purchasing, stock rotation, and maintenance
• Ensuring compliance with hygiene, health, and safety regulations
• Handling customer complaints regarding food professionally and in line with company policies
• Conducting regular chef meetings, staff inductions, and annual appraisals
• Preparing and participating in special functions, which may occur outside normal working hours

Position: Head Pastry Chef

Location: Holgate Hill, Kelling, Holt NR25 7ER

Hours: Full-Time, 40 hours per week

Salary: Competitive, depending on experience