Pastry Chef

Pastry Chef

Your past experiences have led you to understand that there is an art + science to the how and what a hospitality operations professional is responsible for. You are an intrinsically motivated individual who finds their moment of Zen in a dining room filled with happy guests. You have the utmost respect for the ingredients and the process: you strive to work directly with local farmers and artisans to obtain your ingredients at their height of freshness and peak of flavor. You have tremendous culinary aptitude and are just beginning your journey to understanding the financial side of the business and are eager to learn more.

Hotels done differently. It's not just a slogan or catchphrase, it is who we are in everything we do. We believe in the power of People, Place and Character; ensuring our properties are a place where individuals are valued and celebrated as a tribute to the neighborhoods and the people of the communities in which we operate; elevating our associates' pride in who they are, where they live and who we serve. Since its founding, Aparium has grown into a new kind of hotel brand, one that ventures off the beaten path, both geographically and philosophically. It is a sophisticated hotel brand known for its singular ability to combine the business acumen of large hospitality companies with the charm of boutique hotels, bringing the disparate forces together in bustling, smaller markets.

The Role

The Pastry Chef reports to and works directly with the Executive Chef, collaborating with menu planning and development, productivity, menu cost controls, and ordering processes to ensure production meets business levels. It is critical that you possess a background and basic knowledge of culinary techniques related to the F+B concept(s) for the hotel. You are a highly organized individual and an expert in constant and consistent communication, able to reinforce efficiencies while ensuring consistency in the kitchen operations. You lead the team through your collaborative approach—understanding that it is as important to listen as it is to lead. Having the skills to mentor and teach your team is a must for this position, as demonstrating humility and genuine care for the items you create and the individuals who execute upon them. At Detroit Foundation Hotel/Apparatus Room, our culinary teams are expected to hold themselves, the guests, and each other in high regard. You will actively develop trusting and transparent relationships with all associates throughout the hotel. You will have the opportunity to work with a phenomenal group of individuals with whom collaboration, humbleness, and open-minds are the norm—no egos are allowed. The ability to work with controlled measures and respect for your leadership team and peers is imperative; we have a no-tolerance policy for the "old school way".

What You Will Do

Uphold and role model the company's principles of People, Place, and Character, while encouraging your direct reports to embody our values that drive collaboration, intuitive service, and translocal hospitality. Be a key partner with the Executive Chef, Sous Chefs, and F+B Management team, demonstrating a united front committed to providing the best possible guest experience. Collaborate with and coach your team to uphold the integrity of the food, guest experience, cleanliness, and maintenance of the culinary spaces. Design and execute pastry items for all outlets of the hotel including Banquets, Restaurants, and Special Programming. Demonstrate your aptitude of how to deliver on a guest's expectation for an amazing culinary experience, including balancing flavor combinations, considerations for temperature and texture, guest satisfaction, and menu flow. Coach and mentor your team on development of their skill set, technique, and menu execution, fostering an environment of continuous growth; effectively use corrective action to address root causes of issues, course-correcting any missed opportunities. Actively participate in recruitment, training, scheduling, supervising, coaching, and motivation of all culinary associates in order to create an environment that nurtures ideas and develops future talent for succession planning in the culinary program. Observe conditions of all physical facilities and equipment in the culinary operation, working in collaboration with the Chef, engineering department, and any third-party vendors to make corrections and improvements as needed. Maintain regular communication with the Executive Chef and F+B Management team to provide updates, discuss plans, communicate needs, and align on priorities, understanding that flexibility with your responsibilities is paramount to support a successful operation.

What You Will Need

Passion for culinary arts, experience in a wide range of cuisines. Basic skills in Microsoft Excel and Word to create spreadsheets and proposals. Adaptable interpersonal communication skills to address all employee levels of the hotel. Proficiency of the English language in reading, writing and verbal communication. Ability to calculate basic math principles to meet proper menu ingredients and perform inventory. Ability to work in a fast-paced environment for extended periods of time to meet high volume business. Ability to lift, balance and carry up to 25 lbs. to transport dry goods inventory, equipment, etc. Ability to lift, balance and carry (with assistance) up to 100 lbs. to transport dry goods inventory, equipment, etc. Ability to stand or walk for prolonged periods to cook required menu items. Ability to withstand warm to hot environments for prolonged periods while utilizing ovens, stoves, or fryers.

How You Will Lead

Offer direct support for your team through coaching, counseling, gentle correction, and constructive feedback. Collaborate effectively with all hotel departments including Sales, Banquets & Catering, Food & Beverage, and Hotel Operations to provide an exemplary guest experience. Be respectful in your daily interactions with your managers, direct reports, and peers, exemplifying the utmost level of professionalism and being a pillar within your community. Be a subject matter expert in food and culinary techniques as well as understanding the history of the cuisine most closely related to the hotel food and beverage concept(s), effectively guiding others in their personal search with a gentle hand, never admonishing their lack of knowledge. Demonstrate business acumen and practice sound financial decisions by ensuring that initiatives align with operational goals and budgets.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Aparium Hospitality Services celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an equitable and inclusive environment, and a sense of belonging for all associates. We do not discriminate and believe every individual should be proud of who they are, and where they come from and take pride in who we serve. Aparium is an E-Verify employer.