Pastry Chef Job
Location: Chatham, Kent, UK
Salary: £30,000 – £35,000 DOE
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Flexible (Monday–Thursday, part-time or full-time options available)
Business Type: Artisan Bakery – French Pastry, Cakes & Viennoiserie Production
Are you a Pastry Chef with a strong French pastry background and a passion for crafting high-quality, handmade baked goods from scratch?
Join a fast-growing artisan bakery in Chatham, recently refurbished and expanding with a second site opening in Rochester within the next month. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a genuinely craft-led environment where everything is made in-house, from laminated pastries to celebration cakes and vegan-friendly creations.
This role is ideal for a skilled pastry chef who values quality over quantity and enjoys working in a small, dedicated team producing fresh, artisan products for both retail and wholesale customers.
About the Role
You will be part of a small pastry and bakery team responsible for producing a wide range of French-inspired pastries and cakes. The focus is on traditional techniques, high-quality ingredients, and consistent handmade production.
This is not a “factory-style” bakery. Everything is made from scratch on-site, with an emphasis on laminated doughs, viennoiserie, and refined pastry work. You will work closely with the head baker and owner, contributing ideas for new products including fillings, seasonal pastries, and modern variations.
The bakery is expanding rapidly, and this role offers the opportunity to grow alongside the business as the new Rochester site launches, which will also include gelato production.
What’s in It for You?
- Salary: £30,000 – £35,000 DOE
- Hours: Flexible Monday–Thursday (part-time or full-time available)
- Focus: Weekday production to support weekend retail demand
- Training: Full introduction to bakery methods and expectations
- Environment: Small artisan team with strong emphasis on craftsmanship
- Growth: Opportunity to progress as the business expands to a second site in Rochester
- Perks: Free coffee and pastries during shifts
Who We’re Looking For
You are a skilled Pastry Chef with strong experience in French patisserie or viennoiserie. You are confident working with laminated doughs and comfortable producing high-quality cakes and pastries from scratch.
This role is best suited to someone who enjoys structured weekday production and wants to be part of a growing artisan business rather than a large commercial kitchen.
Key Responsibilities
- Production of French pastries and viennoiserie (croissants, laminated doughs, etc.)
- Creation of whole cakes and modern artisan desserts
- Development of vegan and alternative pastry options
- Producing all items from scratch using traditional methods
- Supporting weekday production to prepare for weekend service
- Maintaining high standards of cleanliness and organisation
- Contributing ideas for new products and seasonal ranges
- Working closely with the bakery team to ensure consistency and quality
What You’ll Need
- Strong background in French pastry or patisserie
- Experience working with laminated dough and scratch baking
- Ability to produce high-quality cakes and pastries consistently
- Good understanding of modern artisan bakery trends
- Reliable, committed, and detail-focused approach to work
- Ability to work independently and as part of a small team
- Passion for craftsmanship and quality over volume
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you are a talented Pastry Chef with a passion for French-inspired baking and want to be part of a growing artisan bakery, we would love to hear from you.
If you are a member of the Armed Forces Community, including ex-military personnel, reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, or military spouses/partners, please indicate this in your application.
Alternatively, you may email your CV directly to info@ksbrecruitment.co.uk, stating the role you are applying for and outlining your connection to the Armed Forces.
INDCH