Sous Chef (Pastry)

About the Role

Marriott Hotels & Resorts is seeking a Sous Chef (Pastry) to join their team in Riyadh. This full-time role is responsible for the overall success of daily kitchen operations, specifically focusing on pastry. The Sous Chef will lead staff, manage food-related functions, and work to improve guest and employee satisfaction while adhering to the operating budget. The position requires 2-5 years of relevant experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage kitchen shift operations and ensure compliance with all Food & Beverage policies, standards, and procedures.
• Estimate daily production needs weekly and communicate these needs to kitchen personnel daily.
• Assist the Executive Chef with all kitchen operations and preparation.
• Prepare and cook various types of food, including for special guests or functions.
• Develop, design, or create new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Assist in determining food presentation and create decorative food displays.
• Maintain purchasing, receiving, and food storage standards, ensuring compliance with food handling and sanitation standards.
• Perform duties of kitchen managers and employees as necessary, recognizing superior quality products, presentations, and flavor.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, following proper handling and temperature control of all food products.
• Operate and maintain all department equipment, reporting malfunctions as needed.
• Check the quality of raw and cooked food products to ensure standards are met.

Leadership and Team Management

• Supervise and coordinate activities of cooks and workers engaged in food preparation.
• Lead shifts while personally preparing food items and executing requests based on required specifications.
• Utilize interpersonal and communication skills to lead, influence, and encourage others, advocating sound financial/business decision-making and demonstrating honesty/integrity.
• Encourage and build mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members, serving as a role model for appropriate behaviors.
• Maintain employee productivity levels and ensure employees understand expectations and parameters.
• Establish and maintain open, collaborative relationships with employees, ensuring property policies are administered fairly and consistently.
• Communicate performance expectations in accordance with job descriptions for each position and recognize successful performance.

Guest Service and Operational Goals

• Provide services that exceed customer satisfaction and retention expectations.
• Manage day-to-day operations, ensuring quality, standards, and meeting customer expectations daily.
• Set a positive example for guest relations and empower employees to provide excellent customer service.
• Interact with guests to obtain feedback on product quality and service levels, and handle guest problems and complaints.
• Achieve and exceed performance goals, budget goals, and team goals.
• Develop specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish work.
• Utilize the Labor Management System for effective scheduling based on business demands and for tracking employee time and attendance.
• Train employees in safety procedures.

Human Resources and Communication

• Identify developmental needs of others and provide coaching, mentoring, or assistance to improve knowledge or skills.
• Improve service by communicating and assisting individuals to understand guest needs, providing guidance, feedback, and individual coaching when needed.
• Participate in the employee performance appraisal process, providing feedback as necessary.
• Bring issues to the attention of the department manager and Human Resources as necessary.
• Provide information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates via telephone, written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Analyze information and evaluate results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Attend and participate in all pertinent meetings.

Company Culture

Marriott International is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an environment where the unique backgrounds of associates are valued and celebrated. The company is dedicated to non-discrimination on any protected basis. Marriott Hotels aims to elevate hospitality by delivering thoughtful, heartfelt, and forward-thinking service. Joining Marriott Hotels means becoming part of a portfolio of brands within Marriott International, where associates are encouraged to do their best work and belong to a global team.