What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Pastry Chef position at Hearth?
Hearth Denver is a wholesale and retail bakery dedicated to providing the Denver metro area with the highest quality artisan pastries and sourdough bread available. Our commitment to excellence extends to our ingredients, which we source locally whenever possible, allowing us to support local farmers and change our products seasonally. We take pride in delivering exceptional, handcrafted pastries to local retailers, coffee shops, and Farmers Markets. We are looking for a talented and innovative Executive Pastry Chef to join our team and continue to lead the creation of high-quality viennoiserie and pastries.
Position Overview:
The Executive Pastry Chef will be the creative force behind Hearth’s offerings, overseeing the day to day production of a wide variety of viennoiserie, pastries, and other baked goods. This role requires an individual with extensive pastry experience, a passion for high-quality craftsmanship, and a commitment to fostering a healthy workplace in a fast-paced, wholesale production environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage all aspects of our pastry kitchen, ensuring the production of high-quality artisan viennoiserie and other baked goods to meet daily production pars.
- Develop and execute new seasonal and signature pastry items, keeping our offerings fresh and interesting.
- Oversee and train a team of pastry chefs and production staff, fostering a collaborative and positive work environment. Scheduling, quarterly check ins and evaluation.
- Create and maintain quality control standards from production to baking and packing of products. Ensure adherence to all recipe specifications, production schedules, and food safety standards.
- Manage inventory and COGS, ordering of ingredients, and maintaining relationships with suppliers to ensure smooth and continuous operation.
- Collaborate closely with the Operations Manager and retail teams to align production with customer orders and seasonal demands.
- Monitor and maintain kitchen equipment to ensure proper functioning and safe practices.
- Uphold the highest standards of cleanliness and organization in the kitchen, in compliance with local food safety regulations.
- Stay current with industry trends and continuously seek opportunities for improvement and growth in technique and product quality.
Qualifications:
- Proven experience (4 years) in a pastry-focused role, with at least 2 years in a leadership position within a wholesale or high-volume bakery.
- Exceptional knowledge of traditional and pastry techniques, with a particular focus on viennoiserie (croissants, puff pastry, etc.).
- Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to motivate and guide a team to success.
- Passion for quality ingredients and commitment to upholding the highest standards in production and craftsmanship.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate across departments.
- Flexibility to adapt to changing business needs and seasonal demands.
- Degree or certification in Pastry Arts or a related field is not required.
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Opportunity to lead and shape the direction of a growing, artisan-focused bakery.
- Creative freedom to innovate and introduce new pastry creations.
- A dynamic, collaborative work environment with a passionate team.
- Health benefits, paid time off, and employee discounts.
How to Apply:
If you are an experienced pastry professional with a passion for artisan baking and a desire to lead a creative team, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your relevant experience.
Hearth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or disability.
Salary : $60,000 - $90,000