Head Pastry Chef Premium Upscale Café Concept

About the Role

The Career Nest is seeking a Head Pastry Chef for a premium upscale café concept in Al Khobar, Jeddah, or Makkah. This full-time role is central to developing the identity of the venue through pastry and bakery operations, focusing on craftsmanship, precision, and innovation. The position requires a leader who combines 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.
• 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.
• Enforce strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and local regulatory standards.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead and mentor the pastry team with clarity, 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.
• Collaborate closely with senior culinary leadership on tastings, seasonal launches, and product innovation.
• 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.
• 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.

Quality and Compliance

• Maintain meticulous attention to detail across flavor, texture, and visual presentation.
• Ensure the pastry section consistently meets brand and operational expectations.