Pastry Chef Job Description & Person Specification Monday - Friday (Term Time Only) 37.5 – 40 hours per week September 2025 Responsible to: Head Chef and Catering Manager Line manages: Catering Assistant (Desserts) Job Overview The School Pastry Chef is responsible for preparing high-quality baked goods and desserts for students and staff, ensuring compliance with health and nutrition standards. This role plays a vital part in promoting healthy eating habits while maintaining food safety standards and supporting the daily operations of the school kitchen. Duties and Responsibilities: Plan, prepare, and bake a variety of pastries, cakes, and desserts for daily meal service (including supper) and special school events. Follow recipes and portion guidelines to meet nutritional requirements and minimize waste. Ensure all baked goods meet school standards for taste, presentation, and nutrition. Maintain cleanliness and organisation of the pastry station and equipment in compliance with food safety regulations. Collaborate with the Head Chef and Catering Manager to coordinate production schedules and meal service. Order and manage inventory of baking ingredients and supplies in conjunction with the Catering Manager. Accommodate dietary restrictions (e.g. gluten-free, nut-free, low sugar) as needed. Contribute to menu planning with creative, student-friendly dessert options. Assist with general kitchen duties as needed. Keys Skills & Knowledge: Proven experience as a pastry chef, baker, or similar role; school or institutional experience preferred. Culinary degree or formal baking/pastry training preferred. Knowledge of food safety, sanitation standards, and dietary guidelines (e.g., USDA school meal standards). Ability to work efficiently in a high-volume kitchen setting. Strong organizational and time management skills. Personal Competencies & Qualities: Creativity in pastry and dessert preparation Attention to detail and consistency Commitment to child nutrition and health Adaptability and problem-solving under pressure This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties. You may also be required to undertake such other comparable duties as required from time to time. Professionalism and a positive attitude in a school environment The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. At all times the person in role will: Commitment to Safeguarding and Welfare Help to safeguard the children’s wellbeing and maintain public trust in the teaching profession. Help to provide a safe environment in which the children can learn. Help to identify children who may be in need of extra support or who are suffering, or are likely to suffer, significant harm. Promptly raise any concerns to the School’s Designated Safeguarding Lead and work with other services as needed. Attend the relevant child safeguarding training and other mandatory induction training as required by the School. Promoting the Health, Safety and Wellbeing of Pupils and Staff At all times the person in role will: Maintain awareness of, and comply with, the School’s H&S policy. Where appropriate, conduct and document risk assessments in their area of responsibility. Probationary Period This role is subject to a probationary period of 12 months from the start of employment, and may be extended at the School’s discretion. Performance and suitability for continued employment will be reviewed throughout the probationary period. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties. You may also be required to undertake such other comparable duties as required from time to time.