Pastry Chef

Join Our Culinary Team: Pastry Chef at Cheeca Lodge & Spa

Location: Cheeca Lodge & Spa, Islamorada, Florida Keys
Position Type: Full-Time, Salaried

About Us
Cheeca Lodge & Spa is a renowned luxury resort in the Florida Keys, celebrated for its exceptional hospitality, exquisite dining, and unforgettable special events. We are looking for a Pastry Chef with a passion for creating culinary masterpieces to lead our pastry team. From signature desserts to stunning wedding cakes, this role is perfect for a creative and skilled professional eager to leave their mark on our guests' experiences.

Job Summary
As the Pastry Chef, you will oversee the pastry kitchen's operations, creating signature desserts, pastries, and custom items for our fine dining outlets, weddings, and corporate events. This role involves leadership, innovation, and exceptional craftsmanship, with an emphasis on developing in-house specialties like wedding cakes.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Collaboration:

• Lead and mentor the pastry team to maintain high culinary standards.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef and banquet teams to develop event-specific desserts and baked goods.
• Oversee staffing, scheduling, and training to ensure smooth pastry operations.

Creative Culinary Production:

• Design and create signature desserts and specials that enhance our culinary offerings.
• Plan and execute custom pastry items for weddings, including in-house wedding cakes, and corporate events.
• Maintain the quality and consistency of all pastries, desserts, and baked goods served at the resort.

Event & Wedding Support:

• Work closely with event coordinators and clients to create personalized pastry menus.
• Prepare and present creative concepts for wedding cakes, specialty desserts, and event amenities.
• Showcase the ability to deliver high-quality, visually stunning creations under tight timelines.

Quality & Sanitation:

• Ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation standards in the pastry kitchen.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked workspace.
• Monitor inventory levels and order supplies to meet production needs.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Culinary degree in Pastry Arts or equivalent professional experience.
• 4-5 years of professional pastry experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Experience with wedding cake design, production, and decoration is highly preferred.

Skills & Attributes:

• Expertise in pastry and dessert techniques, including modern and traditional methods.
• Creativity and ability to develop unique, signature items.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and artistic presentation.
• Proficiency in leading and motivating a team.

Application Requirement:
Applicants should be prepared to showcase a portfolio of their work, including photos of past creations. Please submit your application and email photo samples of your work to HR@Cheeca.com.

Benefits Include:

• 401(k) with employer matching and immediate vesting after 90 days
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Paid Time Off 10 (days vacation and 8 paid holidays.)
• Employer Paid Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance.
• AD&D insurance.
• Employee discounts at Northwood Hospitality properties.
• Flexible spending and health savings accounts.
• Life insurance.

Why Join Cheeca Lodge & Spa?
As the Pastry Chef, you'll have the opportunity to express your creativity in a world-class resort setting. From crafting signature desserts to creating breathtaking wedding cakes, your work will delight guests and elevate special events. Join a passionate and talented culinary team in one of the most picturesque destinations in the Florida Keys.

Apply today and take your pastry career to the next level at Cheeca Lodge & Spa!