Job Description
Job type: Full-time; Shift and schedule; Weekends as needed; Monday to Friday
Location: Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON
Full-Time Pastry Chef Position – Niagara
Are you a passionate, innovative baker with an entrepreneurial mindset and a love for local ingredients? We’re searching for a dynamic, highly organized leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and excels under pressure. This full-time position offers the chance to join a beloved Niagara establishment with deep roots in the community and the autonomy to create unforgettable, Instagram-worthy signature baked goods that attract customers from miles away.
About Us:
Nestled in the heart of Niagara, we are a community-focused destination, known for our farm-fresh produce, and fresh-baked pastries and pies. Our mission is to create a delicious one-of-a-kind experience for every visitor. If you are a creative leader with a passion for baking, a flair for innovation, and an eye for excellence, we’d love to meet you.
What We’re Looking For
A Pastry Chef Who:
- Has an entrepreneurial spirit and is excited to take ownership of the bakery operations.
- Demonstrates leadership and is a strong team player who can inspire and motivate others.
- Excels under pressure, is highly organized and efficient, and can manage a high-volume kitchen during peak seasons (June 1 – Sept 10, major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and Valentine’s Day).
- Thinks creatively and has a passion for developing Instagram-worthy signature creations that people travel from far and wide to enjoy—baked goods they can only find with us!
- Is passionate about market research and committed to continuous improvement, with the autonomy to explore new ideas and trends.
- Is excited to help us grow the business by supporting new partnerships with local businesses, ensuring baked goods are prepared and delivered accurately to local restaurants and shops, maintaining the highest standards throughout.
- Has experience with fondant and other cake-making techniques to help expand our custom cake offerings.
- Exemplifies our vision, mission, and core values: passion for local ingredients, a dedication to community, and a heartfelt customer experience.
- Has a proven track record of managing food costs and maximizing efficiency without compromising on quality.
Special Market Research Benefit:
- Every 12 weeks, our Pastry Chef has a dedicated day to explore local or beyond markets for inspiration and innovation, taste-testing their way to creativity. A stipend is provided to support this research, allowing the chef to bring fresh and unique ideas to the bakery.
Responsibilities:
- Honour and preserve our current recipes and processes, which have been perfected over time and keep our loyal customers coming back. While you’ll have the autonomy to innovate, it’s crucial to remain rooted in our tried-and-true systems to ensure that our legacy is maintained.
- Innovate and create new baked goods that align with our farm-to-table philosophy and stand out as signature items.
- Support new business partnerships by preparing and organizing baked goods for delivery to local restaurants and businesses, maintaining the highest standards of quality and accuracy.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness and food safety.
- Train and mentor junior bakers and be a leader who attracts top talent and sets the tone for a dynamic company culture.
- Collaborate with the broader team to develop inspiring and scrumptious seasonal offerings, including expanding our custom cake line using advanced techniques such as fondant.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Pastry education or applicable training requires at least 2 years of experience in a similar role. (If you meet all other qualifications except 2 years experience, please still apply!)
- Red Seal certification (completed or in progress) is an asset.
- Food safety certifications are required.
- Strong knowledge of pastry-making and dessert finishing, as well as dessert production.
- Experience with fondant and advanced cake-making techniques.
- Fluency in English, both written and spoken.
Compensation & Benefits:
- Salary: Competitive salary based on experience. Includes two weeks’ paid vacation.
- Professional Development: Annual financial support for leadership coaching and personal development.
- Therapeutic Treatments: Financial support for health and wellness programs.
- Market Research Benefit: A dedicated day every 12 weeks to explore the culinary scene and taste-test your way to inspiration, with a stipend provided for each experience.
- Team Building: Periodic team outings and recognition programs to celebrate achievements and foster community.
- Onsite parking provided.
- Enjoy a discount on personal and family food consumption.
How to Apply:
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and a brief portfolio showcasing your baking work to waymar.books@gmail.com.
Additionally, we’d love to get to know you better through a short video. Please send a 1-3 minute video answering the following questions:
What drives your passion for baking, and how do you stay inspired to create unique, one-of-a-kind baked goods?
What would be your approach to creating a signature product that attracts customers from far and wide?
Join our team as a Pastry Cook where your creativity will shine through your culinary creations!