PLEASE NOTE THAT WORK LOCATION FOR THIS POSITION IS RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA
The Executive Pastry Chef will be responsible for creating and executing exceptional pastry programs, managing a team of pastry professionals, and ensuring consistent delivery of world-class desserts that blend international techniques with local flavors. This role requires extensive technical expertise, creative vision, and strong leadership skills.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and inspire the pastry team through mentorship, training, and hands-on demonstration
- Develop innovative pastry menus that incorporate international techniques, with special emphasis on Japanese pastry traditions
- Ensure consistent quality across all pastry and dessert offerings
- Manage inventory, costs, and budgeting for the pastry department
- Collaborate with the Executive Chef and F&B Director to align pastry offerings with the overall culinary vision
- Source high-quality ingredients and establish relationships with reliable suppliers
- Implement and maintain strict food safety and hygiene standards
- Stay current with global pastry trends and techniques through continued education
- Create signature desserts that reflect both international excellence and local cultural influences
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 7-10 years of professional pastry experience, with at least 3 years in a management role
- Formal culinary education with specialization in pastry arts
- Demonstrated expertise in Japanese pastry techniques and traditions (wagashi, mochi, dorayaki, etc.)
- Proven proficiency with established pastry frameworks and methodologies
- Experience working in luxury hospitality or high-end restaurants
- Strong knowledge of international dessert traditions (French, Italian, Middle Eastern, Asian)
- Excellent leadership and team management skills
- Advanced technical skills in chocolate work, sugar art, and cake decoration
- Proficiency in contemporary plating techniques and presentation
- Ability to work in a culturally diverse environment
- Willingness to relocate to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working in the Middle East or familiarity with Saudi Arabian culture
- Certification from recognized culinary institutions or competitions
- Additional language skills (Arabic, Japanese, French)
- Experience developing menus for special dietary requirements (gluten-free, vegan, etc.)
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Quality Metrics
- Consistent guest satisfaction ratings above 90% for pastry items
- Maintain food quality scores of 95% or higher in internal audits
- Achieve zero critical health code violations
- Operational Excellence
- Maintain food cost percentage within budget (target range: 26-30%)
- Reduce waste by 15% through effective inventory management
- Meet production deadlines with 100% accuracy for special events
- Team Development
- Conduct weekly training sessions for pastry staff
- Maintain staff retention rate above 80%
- Complete quarterly skill assessments for all team members
- Innovation
- Introduce new seasonal menu items quarterly
- Develop at least 2 signature desserts featuring local ingredients annually
- Successfully implement 3-4 special pastry promotions per year
- Customer Engagement
- Increase dessert attachment rate by 10% year-over-year
- Develop 2-3 Instagram-worthy desserts that increase social media mentions
Working Conditions
- Full-time position based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Work schedule includes evenings, weekends, and holidays as required
- Fast-paced, high-pressure kitchen environment
- Standing for extended periods and ability to lift up to 25kg
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience
- Housing allowance or accommodation provided
- Annual flight allowance for home visits
- Health insurance coverage
- Professional development opportunities
Qualified candidates who are passionate about elevating pastry arts and eager to contribute to Saudi Arabia's growing culinary scene are encouraged to apply.
