Description
Lead and participate in the preparation, baking, and finishing of pastries, desserts, breads, and confections. Plan and price dessert menus, develop recipes, order pastry supplies, maintain inventory and records, and ensure quality, presentation, and sanitation standards while supervising the pastry team.
- • Check the quality of doughs, batters, fillings, and finished pastries.
- • Monitor pastry kitchen sanitation and food safety compliance.
- • Verify the quantity and quality of received flour, dairy, chocolate, fruit, and nuts.
- • Order pastry ingredients, packaging, and smallwares to maintain efficient operations.
- • Supervise and schedule pastry cooks, bakers, and decorators.
- • Inspect ovens, mixers, proofers, and work areas for proper function and cleanliness.
- • Set standards for dessert presentation, garnishes, and pastry displays.
- • Train staff in laminating, tempering chocolate, icing, and decorating techniques.
- • Estimate production yields and ingredient costs for pastries and desserts.
- • Develop seasonal dessert menus and recipes in collaboration with culinary and service teams.
- • Cost recipes and price pastry and dessert menu items based on food, labor, and overhead.
- • Produce and bake breads, cakes, tarts, confections, and plated desserts for service and events.
- • Plan proofing, baking, and assembly schedules to meet service timelines and par levels.
- • Recruit, interview, and hire pastry staff.
- • Consult with clients on custom cakes, dessert tables, and event menus.
- • Introduce new pastry techniques, tools, or equipment to the team.
- • Meet with vendors to source and negotiate specialty ingredients and supplies.
- • Arrange purchase, calibration, or repair of pastry equipment.
- • Record batch logs, inventory, waste, and temperature records.
- • Oversee pastry production for multiple outlets, banquets, or retail within the property.
- • Manage pastry department budgeting, purchasing, and inventory control.
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Tasks & skills:
O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
