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 At Sopwell House, we live by our Vision, Purpose and Values. We are dedicated to creating a world of ‘Perfect Contentment’ for both our team members and guests alike - ‘Spreading kindness one act at a time’ along the way. All applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK. If you have not received a response within 14 days, please assume your application has not been successful on this occasion