Head Pastry Chef - Italian

About the role

A restaurant in Grand Cayman is looking for an experienced Head Pastry Chef to prepare a wide range of desserts, pastries and sweet goods. The role is senior within the culinary team, covering both hot and cold stations, with approximately 11 direct reports. The chef's creativity in developing new tastes and recipes should match their skill in baking high-quality treats, while adhering to health and safety standards.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare cakes, cookies, pies, bread and other goods following traditional and modern recipes
• Create new desserts to refresh the menu and attract customers
• Decorate pastries with icings and toppings for attractive presentation
• Monitor stock of baking ingredients such as flour and sugar and place orders within budget
• Check the quality of materials and the condition of cooking equipment
• Guide and motivate pastry assistants and bakers, and identify staffing needs to help recruit and train personnel
• Maintain a lean, orderly kitchen and follow health and safety standards

Required profile

• 5 years' experience as a Pastry Chef
• Demonstrated experience managing busy kitchens and leading teams
• Certificate in culinary arts, pastry-making, baking or a related field
• Ability to work all shifts, including weekends, public holidays and late nights
• Strong work ethic, reliability and flexibility

Required skills

• In-depth knowledge of sanitation principles, food preparation, baking techniques and nutrition
• Working knowledge of baking with ingredient limitations (gluten-free, sugar-free pastries)
• Excellent communication, organisation and time management skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of food safety standards