Are you a master of craft Do you thrive in a team that succeeds together, demonstrating integrity and respect while acting responsibly Do you embrace a growth mindset We invite you to become a fan of the exceptional.
Mandarin Oriental is the award-winning owner and operator of some of the most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences located in prime destinations around the world, with a strong development pipeline. Increasingly recognized for creating some of the world's most sought-after properties, the Group provides legendary service inspired by Asian heritage whilst representing the very cutting-edge of luxury experiences.
Mandarin Oriental, Makati is an upcoming 5-star luxury hotel set within the lush Ayala Triangle Gardens, at the prestigious corner of Paseo de Roxas and Makati Avenue. Scheduled to open in 2026, this landmark development will feature 276 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites, offering a refined blend of contemporary design and timeless sophistication. Guests will enjoy an exceptional array of world-class amenities, including a curated selection of restaurants, a stylish bar, a serene pool area, and the brand's signature spa. Designed to be a sanctuary in the heart of the city, the hotel promises an elevated experience for both leisure and business travelers seeking comfort, excellence, and distinction in Manila.
About The Job
The Executive Pastry Chef is responsible for the strategic leadership, creative direction, and operational excellence of all pastry, bakery, chocolate, and dessert offerings at Mandarin Oriental Makati. As a key member of the preopening culinary leadership team, the role will design, launch, and sustain bespoke pastry experiences across all dining venues, banqueting, inroom dining, and amenities, fully aligned with Mandarin Oriental's legendary standards of craftsmanship, responsible luxury, and Asianinspired hospitality.
The role combines artistry with disciplinebalancing innovation, consistency, financial stewardship, and people development in a highperformance luxury environment.
The Role
The Executive Pastry Chef is a senior culinary leader responsible for defining and delivering the pastry, bakery, and dessert vision of Mandarin Oriental Makati. As a key member of the hotel's executive culinary leadership team, the role ensures that all pastry experiencesacross restaurants, banqueting, inroom dining, and guest amenitiesreflect Mandarin Oriental's uncompromising standards of craftsmanship, creativity, and responsible luxury.
Operating with a strategic yet handson approach, the Executive Pastry Chef leads concept development, preopening readiness, and daytoday excellence while building and inspiring a highperforming team. The role balances artistic expression with operational rigor, financial stewardship, and talent development, contributing meaningfully to guest satisfaction, brand distinction, and the longterm success of Mandarin Oriental Makati.
Key Responsibilities
- PreOpening & Concept Development
- Lead all pastry and bakery planning for the hotel's preopening phase, ensuring full operational readiness for soft and grand openings.
- Conceptualize and develop signature dessert, pastry, and bakery identities for all food & beverage outlets, banquets, and specialty offerings.
- Collaborate with Design, Engineering, and Operations teams on pastry kitchen layouts, workflows, equipment specification, and commissioning.
- Develop opening timelines, recipe libraries, menu engineering, and production standards.
- Culinary Excellence & Guest Experience
- Define and maintain the hotel's pastry and dessert vision, ensuring exceptional quality, presentation, flavor balance, and innovation.
- Oversee all pastry production for:
- Restaurants and bars
- Afternoon tea and lounge concepts
- Banqueting and largescale events
- Inroom dining
- Amenities (welcome gifts, branded items, VIP offerings)
- Ensure consistency and refinement across daily operations while continuously evolving menus based on seasonality, trends, and guest preferences.
- Leadership & Talent Development
- Recruit, train, mentor, and retain a highly skilled pastry and bakery brigade.
- Create a culture of craftsmanship, precision, creativity, and respect.
- Establish structured training programs focused on Mandarin Oriental standards, technical excellence, and succession planning.
- Act as a role model for inclusive leadership, collaboration, and professional growth.
- Operational & Financial Management
- Oversee daytoday pastry kitchen operations to ensure efficiency, cleanliness, and compliance.
- Implement and monitor food safety, hygiene, sanitation, and HACCP standards.
- Manage food cost, labor cost, productivity, inventories, and waste reduction initiatives.
- Work closely with Finance and Procurement on budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and supplier partnerships.
- Sustainability & Responsible Luxury
- Champion sustainable pastry practices, including responsible sourcing, seasonal ingredients, and reduced food waste.
- Support Mandarin Oriental's ESG commitments without compromising on luxury, creativity, or guest experience.
- Foster relationships with local artisans and premium suppliers where appropriate.
- Collaboration & Brand Contribution
- Partner with Marketing, Communications, and Events teams on promotions, launches, media events, and brand storytelling.
- Support revenue growth through menu innovation, bespoke experiences, and commercial initiatives.
- Represent Mandarin Oriental Makati in internal collaborations and external culinary initiatives as required.
Experience
What We Are Looking For
- Proven experience as Executive Pastry Chef or Pastry Chef in a luxury hotel, ultrapremium resort, or Michelinlevel hospitality environment.
- Preopening hotel experience is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated success managing highvolume pastry production while maintaining artisanal quality.
Technical Expertise
- Mastery in classical and modern pastry, bakery, chocolate, sugar, and dessert arts.
- Strong understanding of largescale banquet pastry operations.
- Excellent knowledge of food safety, allergens, and international hygiene standards.
Leadership & Personal Attributes
- Inspirational, peoplecentric leader with a handson management style.
- High levels of creativity balanced with structure and discipline.
- Calm, resilient, and adaptable in a preopening and highpressure environment.
- Exceptional attention to detail and aesthetic sensibility.
- Strong communication skills and cultural sensitivity in a multicultural team.
Why Join Us
Mandarin Oriental offers a worldclass environment where your expertise, creativity, and leadership will shape the legacy of our return to Manila. You will be part of a dynamic preopening team committed to excellence, innovation, and authentic Asian hospitality.
Our Commitment To You
- Learning & Development. Your success is our success. We craft unique learning and development programmes for various stages in your career so that you grow, continuously.
- MOstay. When you work as hard as our colleagues do, it's important to take time off. As a member of the #MOfamily, you can stay with us wherever you go in the world. The MOstay programme offers complimentary nights and additionally attractive rates on rooms for you and your loved ones.
- Heath & Colleague Wellness. Finding the right work-life balance is important. Your wellbeing matters to us. A variety of health benefits and wellness programmes are offered to all our colleagues, globally.
We're Fans. Are you
