Pastry Chef | Fine Dining | Aspen

Pastry Chef | Fine Dining

Location: Aspen, CO

Salary: $75,000 - $100,000 (depending on experience) + Bonus

Relocation Assistance: Yes, up to $2,500 relocation assistance

Housing Assistance: Yes, employee housing options available subsidized by employer (monthly rent ~$1,650)

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled, creative, and driven Pastry Chef to lead a dynamic pastry program within a refined, high-end dining environment. This role is an integral part of the culinary leadership team and offers the opportunity to shape a thoughtful, seasonally driven dessert program that enhances the overall guest experience.

The ideal candidate brings a balance of technical expertise, artistic vision, and operational excellence, with a passion for innovation, detail, and delivering memorable final impressions through pastry.

Key Responsibilities

Pastry Production & Execution

• Oversee daily production of all pastry items including plated desserts, breads, viennoiserie, and confections
• Ensure consistent execution, quality, and organization across service and private events
• Maintain the highest standards of product integrity and presentation

Menu Development & Innovation

• Design and execute seasonal dessert menus aligned with the overall culinary vision
• Develop visually compelling, modern desserts that balance flavor, texture, and presentation
• Continuously evolve offerings based on seasonality, trends, and guest feedback

Technique & Program Development

• Implement and refine advanced pastry techniques across the program
• Introduce new methods, ingredients, and concepts to elevate the pastry offering

Ingredient & Inventory Management

• Source and manage high-quality ingredients with a focus on seasonality
• Oversee ordering, inventory control, and product rotation to ensure freshness and cost efficiency

Quality Control & Presentation

• Uphold standards for taste, consistency, and visual presentation
• Oversee plating, finishing, and execution across all dessert offerings

Team Leadership & Development

• Train, mentor, and develop pastry team members
• Establish production systems, workflows, and operational standards
• Support hiring, onboarding, and performance management

Event & Service Support

• Collaborate on custom dessert offerings for private dining and special events
• Participate in tastings and chef-driven experiences

Guest Experience

• Contribute to a thoughtful and elevated guest experience through dessert execution
• Engage with guests when appropriate to enhance hospitality

Food Safety & Compliance

• Maintain strict adherence to all health, safety, and sanitation standards
• Ensure a clean, organized, and compliant pastry department

Collaboration

• Partner closely with the Executive Chef on menu alignment and program development
• Participate in tastings, planning sessions, and broader culinary initiatives

Qualifications

• Strong foundation in classical pastry techniques with advanced skills in modern methods (chocolate, sugar work, laminated doughs, plated desserts)
• Proven experience in a high-end or fine dining environment
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to build and develop teams
• Solid understanding of kitchen operations, systems, and workflow management
• High level of organization, attention to detail, and execution
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced, high-performance kitchen environment
• Passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences

Work Environment & Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods (1012 hours per shift)
• Ability to lift and carry standard kitchen equipment and ingredients
• Full availability including evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak seasonal periods

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $75,000 to $100,000 annually depending on experience
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid Time Off: Includes sick time and seasonal time off
• Retirement: 401(k) with employer match
• Additional Perks: Employee housing, relocation assistance, ski pass, transportation support, and ongoing training opportunities