Pastry Chef

Role Overview

We seek a skilled Pastry Chef to lead the dessert operations at a prestigious French bank location in Canary Wharf, London. This role involves creating an appealing patisserie counter offering classic French and English treats, alongside managing a changing brasserie dessert menu and hospitality events.

Working Hours and Schedule

• Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 4:00pm (40 hours weekly)
• Breakfast service: 7:30am to 11:30am
• Patisserie items ready by 10:00am for two coffee bars featuring a minimum of eight varieties
• Brasserie lunch service: 12:00pm to 2:00pm

Key Responsibilities

• Create and oversee a rotating five-week seasonal pastry menu aligned with company standards and profitability goals.
• Develop and support a refined pastry selection for seasonal hospitality brochures, including conducting training workshops and team-building masterclasses in chocolate and bread-making.
• Manage a monthly updated brasserie dessert menu focused on elegance, seasonal ingredients, sustainable practices, precise costing, and exceptional presentation.
• Innovate a monthly bread course highlighting craftsmanship and seasonal components.
• Foster teamwork and high performance among kitchen staff, continuously raising culinary quality and standards.
• Ensure complete compliance with HACCP, food safety protocols, allergen regulations, and recipe consistency.
• Handle stock management, purchasing, food costing, and use reporting tools to monitor financial outcomes.

Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated expertise in pastry preparation with enthusiasm for visually appealing, seasonal desserts.
• Knowledge of French culinary techniques is beneficial but not mandatory.
• Proficient bread-making skills, understanding dough handling and fermentation.
• Thorough understanding of food safety standards including HACCP and allergen management.
• Commercially aware with experience in cost calculation, gross profit control, purchasing, and inventory management.
• Creative mindset for seasonal menu development and innovative ideas.
• Strong leadership qualities to motivate and develop a team whilst collaborating across kitchen functions.
• Highly organized with keen attention to detail, maintaining excellent standards in a high-pressure setting.

Employee Benefits

• Contributory pension plan
• Career advancement opportunities via structured programs
• Access to digital GP services and extended healthcare benefits for employees and their immediate family
• Discounts on travel bookings through major providers
• Cost savings on major supermarket shopping
• Up to 44% discount on cinema tickets
• Cash reward incentives applicable to various brands
• Access to free wellness, mindfulness, and fitness classes
• Ability to share discounts and offers with friends and family

About the Employer

Restaurant Associates delivers outstanding hospitality experiences through food and beverage services, partnering with clients across leading workplaces and cultural venues in the UK. The organization supports an inclusive and empowering workplace culture that values diversity and encourages employees to reach their full potential.