Job Introduction
Pastry Sous Chef - Kia Oval, London | Full-Time / Permanent
£42500 + excellent benefits including healthcare, wellbeing support, 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, life assurance, meals on duty, and more.
Who We Are
The Kia Oval, home to Surrey County Cricket Club since 1845, is an iconic international cricket ground in South London. Oval Events Ltd (OEL) delivers all catering, hospitality, bars, and events, driven by a strong partnership focused on world-class experiences.
Scope of Role
The Pastry Sous Chef leads pastry operations across a diverse event portfolio, from large-scale international matchdays (up to 5,500 guests) to VVIP and corporate events. The role ensures high-quality production, consistency, and efficient use of resources, while supporting menu development with a strong focus on sustainability and plant-based desserts. It also involves leading and developing the pastry team and maintaining food safety standards.
Focus Areas
Culinary Execution & Innovation
• Lead pastry production across all events, delivering consistent, high-quality desserts at scale
• Collaborate on seasonal, innovative menus with a strong plant-based focus
• Drive creativity in vegan pastry and maintain exceptional presentation and flavour
Sustainability
• Support 100% plant-based dessert offerings and reduce food waste
• Champion local, seasonal, and responsibly sourced ingredients
• Embed sustainable kitchen practices and support Net Zero initiatives
Team Leadership
• Lead, coach, and develop pastry teams across varied service levels
• Foster a positive, high-performing kitchen culture
• Support training in plant-based and sustainable practices
Operations & Compliance
• Deliver smooth pastry operations across matchdays and events
• Maintain food safety, hygiene, and allergen standards
• Support stock control and efficient service in a fast-paced environment
Person Specification
• Experience as Pastry CDP or Sous Chef in high-volume or premium hospitality
• Strong knowledge of food safety and UK regulations
• Interest or experience in plant-based pastry
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail
• Passion for sustainability and flexible to work events and matchdays
What you'll get in return
- Competitive salary with bonus and full company benefits
- 23 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, your birthday off, and a holiday purchase scheme
- Healthcare & wellbeing: Aviva Digicare, Medicash (dental, optical, therapy treatments)
- Mental health support: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- Family benefits: Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave. 2 days additional leave after returning from maternity leave, day off for your babys first birthday, enhanced family leave
- Perks & discounts: Shopping, entertainment, and travel discounts, 20% off Nuffield Health and 10% off PureGym memberships
- Financial wellbeing: Pension scheme, Life Assurance, preferred rates on salary finance products
- Development opportunities: Professional subscriptions, ongoing training and structured career pathways
- Meals on duty included
Why Join Us?
Levy UK & Ireland is part of Compass Group, the world's largest catering company, and a vibrant leader in hospitality.
We believe in celebrating individuality and building inclusive teams where everyone feels they belong. Our diverse team fuels creativity, innovation, and excellence.
We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join us in creating a supportive, empowering workplace where everyone can thrive.
Together, we create unforgettable experiences Ð and shape the future of hospitality.
As part of Compass you'll help to feed people, fuel progress and forge connections in around 6,000 venues. Join us to grow your career with the industry leader, and get competitive pay, great perks and unrivalled opportunities for learning and development, at one of the UK's biggest businesses.
Job Reference: com/2804/68717001/52805233/SU #Levy UK
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!