Lead Pastry Chef

Aramark are currently looking for a Lead Pastry Chef to manage and lead the pastry team based one of our client site near Cork City Centre. The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the pastry section, ensuring the consistent delivery of high- quality desserts, baked goods and pastry items while maintaining excellent standards of food safety, presentation, cost control and team performance.

The Lead pastry chef will work closely with the Executive Chef and wide kitchen brigade, taking ownership of the pastry section and providing clear direction, training and support to the pastry team.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise and motivate the pastry team, ensuring duties are clearly allocated and completed to the required standard.
• Plan daily and weekly pastry production in line with service requirements, client expectations, events and forecasted demand.
• Prepare, bake and present a range of high-quality desserts, pastries, breads and other baked goods in line with the client requirements and company standards
• Maintain consistency in recipes, portion sizes, presentation, taste and service across all pastry products.
• Train, coach and support pastry team members, including new starters, and provide regular feedback on performance and development.
• Monitor team performance, attendance and conduct, raising any concerns with the Executive Chef and supporting the appropriate performance management process where required.
• Lead dessert and bakery menu planning, seasonal product development and menu costings to achieve the budgeted gross profit margin and minimize waste.
• Manage pastry stock levels, ordering and rotation in line with company purchasing procedures, using approved suppliers only.
• Ensure allergen information, labelling, traceability and food safety records for the pastry section are accurate, complete and maintained daily without exception.
• Ensure full compliance with HACCP, food hygiene, Health and Safety legislation and Aramark procedures throughout the pastry section and related areas.
• Verify that desserts and baked goods are served at the correct temperature, where applicable, and that all required temperature records are completed.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene across premises, equipment, storage areas and personal presentation, ensuring assigned daily and weekly cleaning duties are completed.
• Complete regular quality checks and take prompt corrective action where products or working practices do not meet the required standard.
• Review the kitchen hazard list weekly with the Executive Chef and help ensure identified actions are completed.
• Maintain effective communication and positive working relationships with the client, customers, Executive Chef, kitchen brigade and all site staff.
• Support special events, functions and client requests, developing innovative pastry offerings as required.
• Act as the main point of contact for the pastry section and support the Executive Chef with the smooth running of the wider kitchen operation.

• Relevant culinary, pastry or professional cookery qualification.
• A minimum of 3 years' experience in a professional pastry or bakery kitchen, including previous supervisory, senior or team lead experience.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a pastry team, delegate work and maintain standards during busy service periods.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, food safety, allergen controls and Health and Safety requirements, with experience completing related documentation.
• Ability to prepare, bake and present a wide range of high-quality desserts, pastries and baked goods.
• Strong knowledge of baking techniques, ingredient functionality, recipe standardisation and dessert presentation.
• Experience in production planning, stock control, ordering, waste reduction, menu costings and working to budgeted gross profit targets.
• Ability to give clear written and verbal instructions and communicate professionally with team members, clients and customers.
• Organised and reliable, with the ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.
• A professional and courteous manner, with a strong focus on quality and customer service.
• A genuine passion for pastry, baking, innovation and developing others.

About Aramark

Aramark Ireland is a leader in food, facilities, and workplace services, supporting clients across healthcare, education, business, and the public sector. With over 40 years in Ireland and more than 8,000 colleagues across Ireland and Northern Ireland, we are committed to service excellence, innovation, sustainability, and creating meaningful experiences for our clients, colleagues, and communities.

Aramark is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from all candidates.