Head Pastry Chef Premium Upscale Café Concept

About the Role

The Career Nest is seeking an experienced Head Pastry Chef for a full-time position in Al Khobar, Eastern region. This role involves leading the pastry and bakery operations for a new premium upscale café concept. The Head Pastry Chef will be responsible for defining the culinary identity of the venue through craftsmanship, precision, and innovation, combining technical mastery with operational discipline and a refined creative vision.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all pastry and bakery production, ensuring consistency, quality, and adherence to international luxury standards.
• Lead the pastry team and manage daily operations.
• Contribute strategically to menu development, product innovation, and cost control initiatives.
• Manage production planning in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Collaborate with senior culinary leadership on tastings, seasonal launches, and product innovation.
• Actively manage food cost, portion control, and waste reduction to optimize profitability.
• Oversee inventory, supplier coordination, and purchasing to maintain ingredient quality and operational efficiency.
• Ensure production schedules are organized, structured, and aligned with daily business needs.
• Maintain meticulous attention to detail across flavor, texture, and visual presentation.
• Enforce strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and local regulatory standards.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead and mentor the pastry team with clear structure and high-performance standards.
• Train, schedule, and develop junior chefs while fostering a collaborative and disciplined kitchen culture.
• Maintain composure and authority during peak production periods.

Menu Development and Brand Alignment

• Contribute to the creation and evolution of refined pastry and bakery menus aligned with the brand identity.
• Stay informed of international pastry trends and apply them thoughtfully to enhance the concept.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of 5-8 years of professional pastry experience, with at least 2-3 years in a leadership role within a premium patisserie, fine dining restaurant, or upscale café concept.
• Proven expertise in high-end pastry, viennoiserie, and baked goods.
• Strong attention to flavor balance, texture, and presentation.
• Experience managing production planning in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Operational Standards

• Ensure the pastry section consistently meets brand and operational expectations.
• Maintain meticulous attention to detail across all aspects of production.