Pastry Chef

Hyatt Hotels Corp.•Big Sur, CA

45d•Onsite

About The Position

At Hyatt Hotels and Alila, we believe in creating unforgettable journeys where luxury is defined by authenticity, connection, and care. Perched high above the Pacific Ocean in the heart of Big Sur, Alila Ventana Big Sur is a Forbes 4-Star property and recipient of two MICHELIN Keys. Here, the sky, sea, mountains, and redwoods converge to create a sanctuary where colleagues and guests alike are inspired to connect, grow, and thrive. Our resort is deeply committed to environmental stewardship and sustainable operations, from sourcing local, seasonal ingredients to minimizing waste, conserving water, and protecting the surrounding redwood forest. Every role at Ventana plays a part in supporting these practices and honoring our unique natural environment. Position Overview The Pastry Chef leads and inspires the pastry team in creating innovative, visually stunning, and consistently high-quality pastry and bakery offerings for all dining outlets, banquets, and special events. This "hands-on" leadership role combines culinary artistry with strong administrative and operational skills, ensuring all pastry operations align with Hyatt quality standards, Alila's sustainability values, and the resort's seasonal, locally driven culinary philosophy. The Pastry Chef works closely with the Executive Chef, Events, and Food & Beverage teams, serving as a liaison between departments to deliver exceptional guest experiences. This is a fully on-site position at our Big Sur property, and we are open to considering visa sponsorship for qualified candidates.

Requirements

Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive pastry leadership experience in a luxury hotel, resort, or fine-dining setting
Culinary degree or pastry certification preferred
Strong technical skills in pastry, baking, and dessert presentation, with creative flair and attention to detail
Proven ability to manage production for multiple outlets and large-scale events simultaneously
Solid knowledge of cost control, inventory management, and purchasing practices
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic kitchen management software
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to work collaboratively across departments
Demonstrated experience incorporating seasonal, locally sourced ingredients into menu development
Ability to perform effectively under pressure and tight timelines
Commitment to environmental stewardship and alignment with Alila Ventana Big Sur's sustainability practices
Ability to stand for extended periods in a high-temperature kitchen environment
Must be able to lift, carry, or move up to 50 pounds
Manual dexterity and visual acuity for precise pastry work and plating
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required for commuting to Big Sur
Flexible schedule to meet business needs, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays

Nice To Haves

Culinary degree or pastry certification preferred

Responsibilities

Develop and execute seasonal pastry and bakery menus incorporating locally sourced, sustainable ingredients
Design plated desserts, breads, cakes, and specialty pastries for restaurants, banquets, and unique one-off events
Introduce creative, trend-forward concepts that enhance the guest experience and reflect the natural beauty of Big Sur
Maintain consistency, quality, and on-brand presentation for all pastry items
Oversee pastry production schedules, staffing, and workflow to meet operational demands
Manage ordering, inventory, and cost control to achieve financial targets and minimize waste
Ensure cleanliness, organization, and compliance with food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards
Utilize computer and kitchen management systems for ordering, scheduling, and reporting
Lead, train, and mentor pastry cooks, fostering creativity, technical skills, and team collaboration
Work cross-departmentally with culinary, banquet, and service teams to coordinate menu execution for events and outlets
Attend interdepartmental meetings, contributing to operational planning and innovation
Participate in occasional guest-facing culinary activations, such as pastry demonstrations or interactive classes, that align with the resort's brand and sustainability ethos

Benefits

Annual allotment of free and discounted stays at Hyatt hotels worldwide
Well-being benefits including complimentary Headspace subscription and tuition reimbursement
Global family assistance policy, with paid leave for birth/adoption and adoption financial support
Paid Time Off
Medical, Dental, Vision, and 401(k) with company match after 1 year of employment
Complimentary daily meals
Gas stipend for eligible candidates

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