Find & Apply For Chef Jobs in Somerset, New Jersey

Full-Time Position Summary The Imperia by Dhaba is seeking an experienced and creative Pastry Chef to oversee the preparation and presentation of desserts, pastries and specialty cakes for weddings, corporate events, social celebrations and multicultural functions. The ideal candidate must be able to manage high-volume banquet production while maintaining excellent quality, consistency, presentation and food-safety standards. Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and present desserts, pastries, cakes and baked goods for large banquet events
• Design and produce wedding cakes, celebration cakes and specialty desserts
• Create elegant plated desserts, dessert displays, miniature pastries and buffet selections
• Prepare American, European and multicultural desserts, including Indian and fusion selections
• Develop seasonal dessert menus and customized selections based on client requests
• Accommodate dietary needs, including eggless, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free and reduced-sugar desserts
• Calculate production quantities according to event guarantees and banquet schedules
• Prepare desserts in advance while maintaining freshness, appearance and quality
• Coordinate production deadlines for multiple events taking place on the same day
• Work closely with the Executive Chef, banquet department, catering sales team and event managers
• Maintain recipes, portion standards and consistent presentation
• Monitor ingredient costs, portion control, waste and overall pastry profitability
• Order ingredients and maintain appropriate pastry inventory
• Properly label, date, store and rotate all products
• Maintain a clean, organized and sanitary pastry kitchen
• Follow all health department, food-safety and allergen procedures
• Ensure all pastry equipment is properly cleaned, maintained and safely operated
• Assist with tastings, venue showcases and promotional photography when requested Required Qualifications
• Previous experience as a Pastry Chef, Assistant Pastry Chef or Lead Baker
• Experience in a banquet venue, hotel, catering company, bakery or high-volume restaurant preferred
• Strong knowledge of baking techniques, cake construction, decorating and pastry production
• Ability to create both traditional and modern dessert presentations
• Experience producing large quantities without sacrificing quality or consistency
• Strong organization, time-management and production-planning skills
• Knowledge of food costs, inventory control and portion management
• Understanding of food allergies and specialized dietary requirements
• Ability to lead and train pastry employees
• Ability to remain calm and organized under strict event deadlines
• Food-handler or ServSafe certification preferred
• Culinary or pastry-arts degree preferred but not required with sufficient professional experience Schedule Requirements
• Must be available to work evenings, weekends and holidays according to the banquet schedule
• Must be flexible during peak wedding and holiday seasons
• Must be able to manage early-morning and late-evening production when required Physical Requirements
• Ability to stand for extended periods
• Ability to work in hot and cold kitchen environments
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation
• Ability to safely operate commercial mixers, ovens and other pastry equipment The successful candidate will be creative, dependable, detail-oriented and passionate about producing memorable desserts for weddings and special events.