Chocolatier / Pastry Chef

Job Title: Chocolatier / Pastry Chef 

Contract: Full time, Permanent 

Reports to: Head Chef 

Location: La Mare Wine Estate, St Mary, Jersey, Channel Islands. 

Department: Catering & Food Production 

Role Overview 

The Chocolatier / Pastry Chef role is a key enabler of continued growth and innovation. This role focuses on crafting high-quality handmade chocolates and pastries while supporting the planning and execution of catering and event services. Responsibilities include hands-on work in the main kitchen for pastry preparation, chocolate production in our state-of-the-art, purpose-built chocolate kitchen, development of new chocolate products and seasonal items and assisting across catering and events as part of a small, collaborative team. The chef ensures adherence to food safety and quality standards, contributes to creating exceptional guest experiences, and works closely with colleagues to maintain efficiency and consistency across all offerings. 

Key Responsibilities 

Chocolate Production (Approx. 40%) 

• Temper chocolate (machine and hand) to professional standards. 
• Moulding, shelling, enrobing, and decorative finishing of chocolates. 
• Produce ganache, pralines, truffles, bars, and seasonal products. 
• Batch production for La Mare retail outlets. 
• Maintain exceptional hygiene and production standards. 
• Support development of new chocolate products and seasonal innovations. 

Pastry / Café / Events (Approx. 40%) 

• Produce premium desserts for café service. 
• Create pastries, cakes, and afternoon tea selections. 
• Design and prepare desserts for weddings, private dining, and estate events. 
• Contribute creative ideas to elevate the pastry offering. 

Flexible Support (Approx. 20%) 

• Assist with catering and event preparation as needed. 
• Work collaboratively with a small team to ensure smooth operations. 
• Provide support in other across the Estate. 

Skills & Qualifications 

• Professional experience as a Chocolatier, Pastry Chef, or Pâtissier. 
• Strong skills in tempering, moulding, enrobing, and ganache formulation. 
• Proven pastry experience across desserts and bakery work. 
• Creativity combined with precision and organization. 
• Ability to work independently in the chocolate kitchen and collaboratively in the main kitchen. 
• Strong understanding of food safety and hygiene standards. 
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality. 

Compliance & Standards 

• Ensure adherence to food safety, hygiene, and HACCP regulations. 
• Maintain accurate records for compliance and audits. 

Team Leadership & Training 

• Provide guidance and training to junior kitchen team members. 
• Foster a positive and professional kitchen environment. 
• Support staff development and encourage best practices. 

Performance Metrics 

• Consistent quality and presentation of chocolate and pastry products. 
• Timely delivery for café service and event requirements. 
• Customer satisfaction and positive feedback. 
• Efficient production processes and minimal waste. 

Expectations within the first 12 months: 

• Delivered a consistent range of artisan chocolates and premium pastries aligned with brand standards. 
• Supported all catering and event operations with exceptional dessert offerings. 
• Contributed to new product development and seasonal innovations. 
• Maintained compliance with all food safety and hygiene standards. 
• Demonstrated creativity and efficiency in both chocolate and pastry production. 

What Makes This Role Special 

• Opportunity to work across multiple areas of the Wine Estate making this a unique and varied role. 
• Be an active part of a creative and innovative team with hands-on involvement in product development and new projects. 
• Work in a custom-made chocolate kitchen. 
• Key role in producing chocolates for retail. 
• Mostly daytime hours with occasional evening functions. 
• Mainly straight shifts 
• Staff discounts on retail and cafe 
• Beautiful working environment on a well-known Jersey estate. 
• Competitive salary and professional development opportunities. 
• A key role for a passionate chocolatier or pastry chef looking to grow and make an impact. 

About La Mare Wine Estate 

La Mare Wine Estate and Distillery is a unique venue situated in the beautiful Jersey countryside, comprising a working estate of vineyards, orchards and beautiful grounds. Established in 1972, La Mare has grown from a small vineyard into a busy tourism attraction, wedding and corporate venue as well as producing a range of local products. Set in the peaceful grounds of a traditional 18th century granite farmhouse, La Mare Wine Estate is a working 25 acre domain, committed to creating the very best wines, ciders and spirits, along with hand-made preserves, fudge, chocolates and Jersey Black Butter, produced within the Genuine Jersey range. 

The estate itself is a fascinating combination of history and tradition. Comprising of historic buildings and beautiful gardens; extensive vineyards and orchards; function rooms, a winery, distillery and estate kitchens which produce genuine jersey produce. The Estate offers the highest quality Weddings, Corporate Events, Tours and Tastings and produces a range of over 120 delicious products all made on the Estate. In addition to the main Estate, the company also has a wholesale business , retail outlets situated at the Estate and in St. Helier’s high street and a new concept store opening soon at Jersey Airport.