Lead Baker/ Pastry Cook

Lead Baker/ Pastry Cook Pacific Pearl San Juan Capo, CA Job Details Part-time | Full-time $20 - $26 an hour 3 hours ago Benefits Paid holidays Paid time off Employee discount Opportunities for advancement Flexible schedule Qualifications Bakery Produce Logistics Vegan cuisine Attention to detail

Full Job Description Job Title:

Head Pastry Chef /

Lead Baker Position Type:

Full-Time Reports To:

Operations Director /

Owner Location:

Costa Mesa & San Juan Capistrano Job Summary We are seeking a talented, high-energy, and detail-oriented Lead Pastry Chef/Baker to oversee our scratch-baked pastry and dessert production. This role demands a unique blend of culinary artistry and scientific precision, as we are a 100% gluten-free facility serving both a bustling daily cafe crowd and large-scale catering events. The ideal candidate has a deep understanding of alternative flours and gluten-free baking chemistry, thrives in a fast-paced environment, and can effortlessly scale recipes to meet high-volume demands without compromising on taste, texture, or visual presentation. Key Responsibilities1.

Daily & Event Production Scratch Baking:

Mix, shape, and bake a high volume of daily cafe items (e.g., rustic breads, pastries, muffins, scones, cookies) and elegant catering desserts (e.g., customized cakes, mini tartlets, specialized event desserts).

Gluten-Free Expertise:

Masterfully execute proprietary gluten-free recipes, ensuring consistency in texture and flavor. Participate in testing and developing new seasonal menu items.

Volume Scaling:

Accurately scale recipes up or down based on daily cafe pars and fluid catering guest counts (ranging from small corporate gatherings to weddings of 150+ guests).

Plating & Presentation:

Maintain meticulous standards for finished products, ensuring high-end visual appeal for both individual cafe retail and large-scale buffet or plated catering displays. 2.

Kitchen Operations & Logistics Prep Planning & Timing:

Manage production timelines so all baked goods are fresh, completed on schedule, and properly packed or staged for catering transport.

Inventory & Ordering:

Monitor ingredient levels, rotate stock using FIFO (First In, First Out) methods, and draft orders for specialty gluten-free flours, dairy, and seasonal produce.

Cross-Contamination Prevention:

Maintain strict adherence to our 100% gluten-free protocols. Ensure all incoming raw ingredients meet our stringent allergen safety standards. 3.

Leadership & Maintenance Team Coordination:

Work cleanly and collaboratively alongside cafe staff and the catering team to ensure seamless handoffs.

Sanitation Standards:

Lead by example in kitchen cleanliness. Oversee daily, weekly, and deep-cleaning schedules for baking stations, ovens, mixers, and walk-in coolers.

Equipment Care:

Safely operate and properly maintain specialized commercial baking equipment (e.g., commercial mixers, convection ovens, laminators).

Qualifications & Skills Experience:

Minimum of 3-5 years of professional baking and pastry experience in a high-volume bakery, pastry shop, or upscale catering operation. Lead or Head Baker experience is highly preferred.

Specialized Knowledge:

Proven experience with gluten-free, vegan, or allergen-friendly baking is highly desirable. A strong understanding of how alternative starches and binders (like xanthan gum or psyllium husk) interact is a massive plus.

Speed & Stamina:

Ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines, multi-task several bakes at once, and stand for extended periods (8+ hours). Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs (bags of flour/sugar).

Schedule Flexibility:

Early morning shifts are required (e.g., 4:00 AM starts). Weekend and holiday availability is necessary to align with peak cafe traffic and weekend catering events.

Certifications:

Current Food Protection Manager certification (or local equivalent). What We Offer Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Paid time off and holiday perks. Opportunities to influence a growing culinary brand and develop creative, custom menus for high-profile events. A vibrant, supportive team environment where your work is central to our clients' most memorable milestones.

Pay:

$20.00 - $26.00 per hour

Benefits:

Employee discount Flexible schedule Opportunities for advancement

Work Location:

In person