Job Title:

Seasonal Catering Pastry Cook Location:

On-Site Kitchen +

Off-Site Events Schedule:

Part-Time / Seasonal | 2-3 Days Per Week | September - December (Ends before Christmas)

Reports To:

Executive Chef & Sous Chef TeamPosition OverviewPurple Onion Catering is a full-service catering company known for thoughtful food, seamless execution, and a strong, people-first culture. We approach everything we do through our core values of kindness, care, and elevate—how we treat each other, how we show up for our clients, and how we continuously push ourselves to improve. We are seeking a Seasonal Catering Pastry Cook to join our culinary team for our peak fall season. This position runs from September through December, concluding just before Christmas, and includes having Thanksgiving off. It is an ideal role for an experienced pastry or baking professional looking for consistent, part-time seasonal hours within a highly supportive environment. You will be responsible for preparing, baking, and plating a variety of high-quality desserts, pastries, and baked goods that elevate our event menus.

Key Responsibilities Execute daily pastry prep lists, including baking, scaling ingredients, mixing doughs, preparing fillings, and assembling desserts with accuracy, efficiency, and artistic attention to detail. Maintain high quality and consistency in pastry recipes, portioning, and overall visual presentation. Properly label, store, and organize all pastry components and prepped items following strict food safety standards. Support the secure packing, temperature control, and organization of delicate desserts for off-site event transport. Work on-site at select events to manage dessert stations, support live plating, and handle breakdown. Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary pastry station and work environment at all times. Communicate pastry production timelines and inventory needs clearly to the Executive and Sous Chef team.

Schedule & Expectations Weekly Commitment:

2-3 days per week.

Duration:

September through December (position concludes before Christmas).

Holiday Schedule:

Off on Thanksgiving Day.

Event Requirement:

Must be able to work an average of 1 event per month.

Bonus Hours:

Additional hours are available for candidates willing to work more events or assist with general culinary prep.

Future Opportunities:

Option to keep the employee "on retainer" for the spring busy season (March-June) of the following year, as well as occasional busy weeks during the winter down season, upon mutual agreement. Qualifications 1+ year of pastry or baking experience in a professional kitchen (pastry experience required). Strong organizational skills, precise measuring habits, and the ability to maintain speed and visual quality during busy seasons. Positive, solutions-oriented mindset and a strong commitment to teamwork. Reliable transportation to our main kitchen and various regional event locations. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periods. Spanish speaking a plus, but not required.

Compensation & Benefits Hourly Pay:

Starting at $21 per hour, depending on experience.

Culture:

A collaborative, team-focused work culture driven by kindness and care.

Perks:

Free staff meals provided on all shifts over 8 hours.

Location:

We are located two miles from the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU Metro Station.

Pay:

From $21.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person