Lead Pastry Cook, Full-Time

Job Summary

The Lead Pastry Cook supports the Pastry Chef and Assistant Pastry Chef in preparing and producing high-quality pastry items, including cakes, tarts, cookies, creams, custards, sauces, plated desserts, and other offerings. This role ensures that all products meet luxury hotel standards and contributes to exceptional guest experiences.

About the Role

This role is critical to upholding the luxury standards and reputation of The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa by delivering exceptional products and maintaining the highest levels of professionalism, attention to detail, and discretion.

Responsibilities

• Support daily pastry production, including cakes, cookies, breads, pies, pastries, plated desserts, fillings, icings, and other baked goods.
• Ensure all products meet luxury hotel presentation and quality standards.
• Prepare all pastry items according to established recipes, specifications, and production standards.
• Maintain the highest quality and appearance of all items produced from the pastry shop.
• Collaborate with Culinary, Banquets, Outlets and Events teams to deliver memorable guest experiences.
• Assist with the plating, garnishing, and presentation of banquet desserts and specialty pastry items.
• Ensure all food products are properly rotated, dated, labeled, and stored in accordance with food safety standards.
• Respond professionally and proactively to special dietary requests and guest preferences when required.
• Provide guidance and direction to Pastry Cooks during assigned shifts.
• Affordable and prioritize daily production schedules and workflow to ensure operational readiness.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred, but not required.
• Minimum of four years of pastry and baking experience, including strong production skills, creativity, and knowledge of French, Viennese, and American pastries, cake decorating, and showpieces.
• Progressive pastry experience within a hotel, club, or luxury hospitality environment is strongly preferred, along with demonstrated leadership and training abilities.
• Ability to work calmly and efficiently under pressure.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and craftsmanship.
• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organization and time-management skills.
• Ability to read, write, and understand the English language.
• Good judgment and decision making.
• Good listening and communication skills.
• Knowledge of the safe operation and handling of commercial kitchen and bakery equipment.

Qualifications

• Must have Food Handlers Certification.

Physical Job Requirements

• Physical Stamina: Frequent standing, walking, climbing of ladders and stairs, kneeling, reaching overhead, lifting and carrying various objects weighing up to 30 lbs.
• Work in a fast-paced kitchen environment with a moderate to loud noise level, work in extreme temperatures, and floors surfaces may be slick.
• Visual: Must be able to accurately read instructions, reports, and log sheets. Must be able to work with computers and PDAs in varying light conditions.
• Literacy: Must be able to analyze and process written information from a variety of sources and effectively communicate content of reports.