What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Pastry Chef position at Hudson House Lakewood?
Executive Pastry Chef – Vandelay Hospitality Group
About Vandelay Hospitality Group
For over a decade, Vandelay Hospitality Group has built a legacy of iconic dining experiences, growing our portfolio across brands and markets nationwide. Guided by a shared vision, our team creates timeless spaces that embody the best of American hospitality – where quality, authenticity and a sense of place unite to leave a lasting impression.
About the Opportunity
We are seeking an exceptional and highly experienced Executive Pastry Chef to oversee and elevate the dessert programs across our portfolio of restaurants. This position requires a visionary leader with advanced pastry skills and a proven track record in the culinary world. The Executive Pastry Chef will be responsible for developing and standardizing menus, training pastry teams and ensuring the highest quality of desserts and pastries across all locations. A mandatory stage will be part of the hiring process to assess expertise and creativity.
Key Responsibilities
Menu Development and Execution
- Design and implement innovative dessert menus for all restaurant locations, ensuring they align with each concept’s vision and target audience
- Create seasonal menus, incorporating fresh, high-quality ingredients and align with industry trends
- Develop standardized recipes and plating guides to maintain consistency across locations
- Collaborate with the CEO and CCO to ensure menu consistency and harmony
Quality Control and Presentation
- Monitor and maintain the highest standards of quality, presentation and consistency for all desserts and pastries served
- Conduct regular tastings and audits to ensure compliance with company standards
- Collaborate with restaurant operations teams to address challenges and ensure seamless pastry production
Team Leadership and Training
- Lead, mentor and train pastry teams at each location to ensure a consistent level of expertise and execution
- Conduct regular on-site visits to provide hands-on coaching and evaluate team performance
- Develop training materials and workshops to advance technical skills and knowledge among pastry staff
Inventory and Cost Management
- Oversee pastry department budgets, including food costs, labor and waste management
- Source high-quality ingredients, negotiate vendor contracts and streamline supply chains
- Monitor inventory levels across locations and ensure cost-effective use of resources
Creativity and Innovation
- Stay ahead of culinary trends to bring fresh ideas and unique concepts to the dessert program
- Develop signature desserts and showcase pieces for special events, private dining and promotional purposes
Qualifications
- Minimum of 5 years of experience as a Pastry Chef or similar role in a fine dining or upscale restaurant
- Proven expertise in a wide range of pastry techniques, including baking, chocolate work, sugar artistry and plated desserts
- Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to culinary excellence
- Strong leadership, organizational and time-management skills
- Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent organizational, communication and time-management skills
- Culinary degree or equivalent formal training preferred
- Ability to travel regularly to restaurant locations and adapt to a dynamic schedule
Perks
- Medical, Dental and Vision benefits available
- Professional development and career growth
- Robust Training program
- Dining discounts at all Vandelay Hospitality Group concepts
- All Vandelay Hospitality Group restaurants are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and the 4th of July so our team can celebrate with their friends and family
Vandelay Hospitality Group provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other federal/state protected category.
