Job Description
Overview Kingston Bread and Bar is seeking an experienced pastry chef to lead the production and advancement of our pastries and viennoiserie to the highest quality standards. This position will involve creating schedules and bake standards, hands-on lamination and croissant shaping, production of cookies and quick breads, managing a team of three pastry cooks and assistants, and overseeing inventory and ordering for the pastry department. Kingston Bread bakes and distributes pastries Wednesday through Monday, with a prep day (mixing, shaping) on Tuesday. We produce pastries for over a dozen wholesale customers, our retail bakery and restaurant locations, several regional farmers markets, and frequent catering orders. This is a full-time (40-hour) position, and requires a commitment to overseeing pastry production for our most important sales days and times - including most Saturday and Sunday mornings, for at least the first few months.
Primary Responsibilities Leadership and Logistics:
Create each week's pastry production schedule Work with the head bread baker to coordinate dough mixes and oven schedules Direct and manage the lamination and production of our core pastries Oversee prep for components including pastry cream, compotes, frangipane, etc. Plan for and oversee special bakes and events — including large catering orders and holiday preorder campaigns (Thanksgiving pies, Christmas cookie boxes, etc.) Perform daily quality assurance on all pastry products before they leave the bakery, and train colleagues to do the same on days you're not there Identify, take ownership of, and troubleshoot issues with sub-standard or inconsistent products Maintain a clean and organized work space, and direct daily and weekly team cleaning protocols Follow and enforce company safety procedures and protocols Foster strong habits around work efficiency, food safety, creativity, and teamwork Train team members on new skills and techniques Conduct semi-annual employee reviews, goal-setting sessions, and department workshops, in conjunction with upper management (owners). Administration:
Work with upper management to standardize and document recipes and bake guides Develop, document, and implement standards for size, shape, coloring, and consistency for all pastry products Conduct regular inventory and submit weekly and as-needed order requests to ensure necessary ingredients are always on hand Communicate regularly with retail/customer-facing colleagues regarding ingredients, presentation, packaging, and accurate descriptions of products Product Development and Innovation:
Recipe test and present ideas for new monthly flavors and weekend specials, with a focus on seasonal produce or timely / on-trend ingredients, allowing time for feedback and collaboration Work with owners to determine availability and costs of ingredients, as well as appropriate pricing for new products Work with catering team to create templates for custom orders and offerings that work well for large crowds, banquets, weddings, formal brunches, etc. Requirements and Qualifications 5+ Years of professional experience in a bakery or restaurant setting Knowledge of and experience with bakery equipment Experience producing laminated pastries Experience managing a team Knowledge of sourdough bread and methods a plus Willingness to perform hands-on pastry work, and ability to fill in at any stage of production as needed Ability to stand for long periods of time, carry up to 50 pounds, and safely handle hot trays and items coming out of the oven. Attention to detail and ability to work quickly and calmly under time constraints Willingness to follow Good Manufacturing Practices regarding jewelry, hair coverings, and personal accessories in a production environment Pay:
$28.00 - $30.00 per hour Benefits:
401(k) Employee discount Flexible schedule Food provided Paid time off Store discount Application Question(s): In just a sentence or two, tell us why you'd be a good fit for this role at Kingston Bread and Bar. Work Location:
In person
