About Us:
We are a collection of upscale and innovative restaurants in Riyadh, dedicated to providing guests with exceptional dining experiences. With a focus on high-quality ingredients, cutting-edge techniques, and a passion for culinary excellence, we are seeking an experienced and visionary Head of Pastry to lead the pastry departments across all three of our locations.
Role Overview:
As the Head of Pastry, you will oversee and lead the pastry operations for three distinct restaurant concepts in Riyadh. You will be responsible for the overall strategy, menu planning, and day-to-day operations, while prioritizing food quality, cost control, and operational efficiency. Your leadership will be essential in shaping a cohesive pastry experience across all locations.
Key Responsibilities:
Cost Control & Food Management:
- Oversee the entire pastry production process, ensuring the efficient use of resources to maintain cost control
- Develop and implement cost-effective strategies without compromising quality, minimizing waste, and improving overall food cost management.
- Regularly review ingredient purchasing, portion sizes, and waste reduction strategies to optimize the department's financial performance.
Operations Management:
- Ensure smooth daily operations across all locations, maintaining consistent service levels and pastry quality.
- Oversee scheduling, stock management, and coordination between pastry and other kitchen teams to ensure operational efficiency.
- Implement and refine operational systems for consistency, safety, and sanitation across all pastry kitchens.
Menu Planning & Development:
- Design and develop innovative, seasonal, and restaurant-specific pastry menus for each location, balancing creativity with cost-effectiveness.
- Regularly review and update pastry offerings to keep the menu fresh, exciting, and aligned with guest preferences.
- Integrate regional flavors and ingredients into the menu while adhering to international pastry standards
Leadership & Team Management:
- Lead, train, and mentor pastry chefs and kitchen staff across all three locations.
- Foster a creative and collaborative environment, encouraging innovation and development in the pastry kitchen.
- Conduct regular team meetings to ensure alignment on objectives, menu items, and operational excellence.
- Oversee daily pastry operations, ensuring teams meet deadlines, uphold high standards, and work efficiently.
Acquisition & Supplier Management:
- Develop strong relationships with suppliers and vendors to source the best ingredients at competitive prices.
- Regularly review and negotiate supplier contracts, ensuring high-quality ingredients are consistently available.
- Stay updated on emerging pastry trends and ingredients, actively sourcing new products to elevate the menu and keep offerings innovative.
Quality Control & Consistency:
- Ensure all pastry products meet the highest standards of quality, flavor, and presentation.
- Conduct regular inspections of pastry production areas, equipment, and ingredients to ensure cleanliness and quality control.
- Implement standardized recipes and procedures to ensure consistency in pastry quality across all restaurants.
Guest Experience & Innovation:
- Work closely with restaurant managers and front-of-house teams to ensure a seamless and exceptional guest experience in all pastry offerings.
- Collect guest feedback and adapt offerings to align with customer preferences and seasonal changes.
- Lead the creative development of new dessert ideas, keeping the offerings fresh, exciting, and visually striking.
Requirements
Preferred Qualifications:
- Culinary degree from a recognized institution.
- Experience managing pastry operations in the Middle East or a similar international market.
Proven experience (5+ years) as a Head Pastry Chef or similar leadership role within a high-end, fine-dining restaurant or hotel. - Strong experience in managing pastry kitchens across multiple locations, with the ability to create and execute a unified vision.
- Expertise in cost control, budgeting, and food cost management, with a focus on efficiency and profitability.
- In-depth knowledge of pastry techniques, trends, and regional and international dessert flavors.
- Strong background in operations management, including inventory control, vendor relations, and team coordination.
- Ability to lead a team effectively, manage performance, and foster a positive working environment.
- Creative mindset with attention to detail in product development, presentation, and innovation.
- Fluent in English; Arabic is a plus.
