Pastry Chef jobs in United Kingdom

The Chef de Partie (CDP) - Pastry is the expert section manager and quality guarantor responsible for the hands‑on execution of all assigned pastry production.

This role's core purpose is to ensure the consistent, high-quality, and technical excellence of all pastry and dessert items on their dedicated section, from production through final presentation. They are the primary on‑site leader for their specialty, responsible for training junior staff, managing section resources, and flawlessly executing complex pastry presentations for all catering events.

This role requires a high level of skill, creativity, and attention to detail. Reporting directly to the Sous Chefs, and ultimately to the Assistant Pastry Chef and Executive Pastry Chef, this role involves managing a specific section during high‑volume production in our central catering unit and playing a crucial, hands‑on role in the execution of off‑site catering events. To be a natural leader of junior staff and possess the adaptability required to excel in both pastry kitchen production and event service environments.

• Station Ownership: Fully manage and run an assigned pastry section ensuring all production targets for catering events are met.
• Quality Control: Execute advanced technical recipes with precision, ensuring that all products leaving the section are uniform in appearance, taste, and texture, strictly adhering to the standards set by the Executive Pastry Chef.
• Staff Supervision: Directly lead, train, and mentor the Demi Chefs de Partie and Commis Pastry Chefs assigned to the station, delegating tasks and verifying the quality of their preparatory work.
• Cost and Inventory: Monitor and control product usage on the station to minimize waste and manage costs. Communicate ingredient needs and assist the Sous Chef with large inventory counts and ordering.
• Recipe Compliance: Ensure all staff utilize and adhere to documented, standardized recipes and portion control guidelines consistently.

• On‑Site Leadership: Act as the station expert at off‑site events, leading the finishing, complex plating, buffets, and assembly of desserts during service.
• Aesthetic Integrity: Oversee and personally execute intricate garnishing and final presentation for all high‑value desserts and display pieces, ensuring the client's vision and the brand's luxury aesthetic are perfectly realized.
• Logistics Coordination: Work with the Sous Chef to ensure the accurate packing, safe transport, and swift, organized setup and breakdown of all necessary pastry ingredients and specialized equipment at event locations.

• Training Documentation: Assist in developing and refining training materials and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the station.
• Hygiene and Safety: Maintain impeccable cleanliness and organization within the assigned station and strictly enforce all HACCP and food safety regulations, critical for the handling of delicate pastry ingredients.
• Reporting: Promptly communicate any equipment malfunction, significant ingredient quality issues, or staffing challenges to the Sous Chef or Assistant Pastry Chef.

• Precision and Consistency: An obsessive focus on exact measurement, process control, and repetitive excellence in both taste and appearance.
• Time Management: Superior organizational skills to manage complex production timelines and service deadlines simultaneously.
• Problem‑Solving: Quick and effective decision‑making skills to resolve production or service issues immediately at the station level.
• Mentorship: A commitment to training junior staff and fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning.