Pastry Sous Chef

Pastry Sous Chef

Department: Food & Beverage - Kitchen
Location: Resort-Wide
FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports To: Executive Pastry Chef, Executive Chef
Supervises: Pastry Prep Associates

Work Schedule:
Full-Time (30+ hours/week) or Part-Time (<30 hours/week); schedules adjusted based on business levels

Position Summary

The Pastry Sous Chef demonstrates creative baking and decorating expertise while actively leading pastry operations across the resort. This role supports the Executive Pastry Chef by personally preparing high-quality pastries and desserts while supervising, training, and developing the pastry team. The Pastry Sous Chef is responsible for maintaining culinary excellence, food safety, sanitation standards, and budgetary controls, while continuously improving guest and associate satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and present high-quality pastries and desserts with consistent flavor, appearance, and portioning
• Recognize and uphold standards for superior product quality and presentation
• Ensure proper food handling, preparation, storage, and temperature control
• Support purchasing, receiving, inventory control, and waste management procedures
• Supervise pastry shift operations in compliance with all Food & Beverage policies and procedures
• Train and mentor pastry associates in foundational and advanced pastry techniques and plate presentation
• Lead by example, setting a positive and professional tone for guest and associate interactions
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA and Health Department standards
• Enforce sanitation, safety, and loss prevention policies to prevent accidents and control costs
• Monitor staffing levels to meet operational, service, and financial objectives
• Participate in scheduling, performance evaluations, coaching, and disciplinary processes in accordance with SOPs and LSOPs
• Maintain open communication and collaborative working relationships within the culinary team
• Assist with interviewing and hiring of pastry associates as needed
• Purchase supplies and manage inventories within established budget guidelines
• Participate in relevant operational meetings, including daily stand-ups, BEOs, pre-cons, forecasts, and departmental meetings
• Lead shifts while personally preparing desserts and executing production requests
• Supervise and coordinate pastry staff during food preparation and service
• Inspect raw and finished food products to ensure quality standards are met
• Assist with plated dessert presentation and decorative food displays
• Promote continuous improvement with a strong focus on guest satisfaction

Employment Standards & Competencies

• Demonstrated leadership with strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Proven ability to coach, mentor, and develop culinary associates
• Strong organizational, planning, and prioritization skills
• Ability to manage daily kitchen operations while meeting quality and financial goals
• Creative problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Commitment to exceeding guest expectations through culinary excellence
• Ability to model professional behavior and maintain productivity levels

Education, Experience & Certifications

One of the following is required:

• High school diploma or GED with four (4) years of culinary, food and beverage, or related professional experience
  OR
• Two-year degree from an accredited college or university in Culinary Arts, Hotel & Restaurant Management, or a related field with two (2) years of relevant experience

Additional Requirements:

• Minimum age of 18
• Food Handler's Certificate (required)
• OSHA Hazard Communication Standard training and certification (encouraged)

Physical & Mental Requirements

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this role:

• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform physically demanding culinary tasks
• Frequently lift, move, and carry up to 50 pounds
• Maintain a clean, safe, and environmentally responsible work environment
• Adhere to all company safety and security policies
• Promptly report accidents, injuries, maintenance needs, or unsafe conditions
• Demonstrate strong problem-solving capabilities
• Maintain positive working relationships and contribute to a team-oriented environment

Benefits & Associate Perks

Full-Time Associates Are Eligible For:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid vacation and paid holidays
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Short- and long-term disability coverage
• Critical Illness and Accident Insurance
• Associate Relief Fund

Additional Associate Benefits:

• Subsidized associate housing and shuttle service
• Weekly meal subsidies
• Limited access to select resort amenities, including golf*
• Retail and dining discounts at Horseshoe Bay Resort
• Exclusive discounts at over 100 Crescent Hotels & Resorts properties nationwide

*Amenity privileges are based on occupancy and business levels.