Pastry Chef | Elegant Dining | San Francisco

Pastry Chef

We are seeking a talented and passionate Pastry Chef to lead our pastry program at an acclaimed fine dining restaurant in San Francisco. This is an opportunity for a creative culinary professional who is passionate about seasonal ingredients, refined techniques, and producing exceptional desserts, breads, and baked goods that complement an elevated dining experience.

The Pastry Chef will oversee all aspects of the pastry department, including menu development, production, ordering, inventory management, staffing, training, and quality control. The ideal candidate is an organized, hands-on leader who thrives in a collaborative, high-performance kitchen and is committed to excellence, consistency, and continuous innovation.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership

• Lead all pastry and bakery operations while maintaining the highest standards of quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Develop seasonal dessert menus, breads, petits fours, ice creams, pastries, and specialty baked goods.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef and culinary leadership team on menu planning and tasting menus.
• Ensure all pastry offerings reflect the restaurant's culinary vision and seasonal availability.

Operations Management

• Manage daily production schedules and oversee all pastry preparation and service.
• Maintain consistency in recipes, plating, and execution.
• Monitor inventory levels and oversee purchasing while minimizing waste.
• Develop systems that improve efficiency and maximize productivity.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, and health department compliance.

Financial Management

• Manage pastry food costs and purchasing budgets.
• Analyze product mix, pricing, and labor efficiencies to support profitability.
• Control inventory, ordering, and waste while maintaining premium product quality.

Team Leadership

• Recruit, hire, train, mentor, and develop pastry cooks and bakers.
• Foster a positive, collaborative kitchen culture focused on accountability and professional growth.
• Create schedules that support operational needs while managing labor costs.
• Conduct regular coaching and performance evaluations.

Quality & Guest Experience

• Ensure every dessert reflects exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.
• Maintain consistency during both la carte and tasting menu service.
• Support private dining, special events, wine dinners, and seasonal programming.
• Stay current with industry trends and continuously introduce creative ideas that enhance the guest experience.

Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum 35 years of progressive pastry leadership experience in fine dining, luxury hospitality, or Michelin-recognized restaurants.
• Previous experience as Pastry Chef, Executive Pastry Sous Chef, or Senior Pastry Sous Chef preferred.
• Strong knowledge of plated desserts, artisan breads, viennoiserie, chocolates, ice creams, and contemporary pastry techniques.

Skills

• Exceptional attention to detail and craftsmanship.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Experience with menu development and seasonal product sourcing.
• Knowledge of inventory management, food costing, and purchasing.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and mentoring abilities.
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced, high-expectation kitchen environment.
• ServSafe Certification or ability to obtain upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Michelin-starred or James Beard-recognized restaurants.
• Formal culinary or pastry education from an accredited institution.
• Experience with tasting menus and refined plated dessert programs.
• Strong understanding of modern pastry techniques and ingredient-driven cuisine.

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary: $90,000-$95,000 annually

Bonus: Performance-based bonus program

Benefits Include:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Performance-Based Bonus
• Dining Discounts
• Ongoing Professional Development

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. #AA