Job description
Join a premier artisan bakery in San Francisco as the Lead Pastry Chef. We’re seeking a talented, hands-on baker who can lead production, craft signature pastries, and mentor a small team. You will oversee daily operations, drive seasonal menu development, uphold uncompromising quality, and partner with the retail team to deliver an exceptional guest experience.
\nAs a key leader, you’ll shape our pastry program, maintain brand standards, and ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation requirements. This role offers creative freedom, a collaborative culture, and room to grow with a growing bakery brand.
Responsibility
- Lead daily production of breads, viennoiserie, cakes, and pastries with a focus on texture, flavor, and consistency.
- Develop and test seasonal menus, from concept to execution, ensuring scalability for multiple shifts.
- Oversee inventory, ordering, waste reduction, and cost controls to optimize profitability.
- Recruit, train, and mentor a high-performing baking team; schedule shifts and performance reviews.
- Maintain rigorous sanitation and food-safety practices in line with HACCP and health regulations.
- Collaborate with management on packaging, display, and seasonal promotions to enhance guest experience.
- Ensure equipment maintenance and safe operation of bake ovens, proofers, mixers, and other bakery tools.
Qualification
- 5+ years of professional bakery/pastry experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
- Expertise in laminated doughs (croissants, danishes), sourdough, cakes, tarts, and decorative pastries.
- Strong eye for quality, portion control, and presentation.
- Solid knowledge of food safety standards, HACCP, and sanitation protocols.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and team-building skills; ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Culinary degree or equivalent experience preferred; formal pastry education is a plus.
- Proficiency with inventory systems, recipe costing, and basic computer skills for ordering and scheduling.