Head Chef

Full-Time Position (48 hours) - Flexible shifts available across from 10 am through to 12:00 pm.

Your country home away from home, nestled within 12 acres of picturesque Hertfordshire countryside. Sopwell House is a luxurious, family owned Georgian country house hotel offering timeless elegance and modern comfort. We're proud to be a place where exceptional service is delivered with warmth, pride and purpose.

We're currently looking for a passionate and experienced Pastry Head Chef to lead our pastry kitchen and inspire our talented team.

Your role in our family:

As Pastry Head Chef, you will take full ownership of the pastry operation across the hotel, ensuring creativity, consistency and excellence at every level.

• Lead and manage the daily operations of the pastry kitchen, ensuring the highest standards of quality and presentation
• Develop innovative, seasonal pastry menus across all outlets including restaurant, banqueting, afternoon tea and events
• Inspire, train and motivate a highly skilled pastry team, fostering growth and maintaining exceptional standards
• Maintain full control over food costs, stock management, ordering, and wastage to meet financial targets
• Ensure all recipes, costings, and specifications are accurate and consistently followed
• Drive new concepts, trends, and creative ideas within the pastry offering
• Collaborate closely with the Executive Chef and other departments to deliver a seamless guest experience
• Oversee hygiene, food safety, and allergen compliance in line with legislation and company standards
• Engage with guests where required, ensuring bespoke requests are delivered to the highest level
• Take responsibility for recruitment, training, rotas, and team development within the pastry department

What would make you the perfect fit?

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a senior pastry leadership role within a luxury hotel or fine dining environment
• Professional qualification in Culinary Arts, Patisserie or related field (NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent preferred)
• Strong leadership skills with proven experience managing, developing, and motivating teams
• Expert knowledge of classical and modern patisserie techniques
• Highly skilled in chocolate work, sugar work, artisan baking, plated desserts, afternoon tea, and petits fours
• Strong commercial awareness with experience managing food costs, labour, and kitchen budgets
• Excellent organisational and communication skills with a proactive, hands on approach
• Up to date knowledge of food trends, ingredients, and presentation styles
• Food Safety Level 2 Certificate

The Best Bit:

• Wide range of training and development opportunities
• Free staff meals and parking
• Discounted food & beverage, accommodation and spa
• 28 days holiday + an extra day off on your birthday
• 30% discount on spa treatments and spa days
• 10% discount on spa products
• "Recommend a Friend" bonus scheme
• Free uniform
• Discounted global hotel rates

All applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK.

Compensation: Competitive salary