Head Pastry Chef
Sweet N' Salty | Kingston, ON
Sweet N' Salty is an exciting new late-night dessert café and speakeasy created by a mother-daughter duo. Our concept combines handcrafted desserts, charcuterie boards, specialty cocktails, and café beverages in a unique and welcoming atmosphere.
As we prepare to launch, we are looking for an experienced, creative, and motivated Head Pastry Chef to help build our dessert program from the ground up.
What You'll Do
Reporting directly to ownership, you will lead the development and execution of our pastry and dessert program. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a startup environment, enjoys creative freedom, and is passionate about crafting memorable desserts and baked goods.
You will play a key role in menu development, production management, staff leadership, inventory control, and maintaining the highest standards of quality and food safety.
Responsibilities
● Design and develop a creative and profitable dessert menu.
● Create and introduce seasonal menu offerings throughout the year.
● Develop recipes and products that accommodate dietary restrictions, including vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free options.
● Oversee the daily preparation and production of all desserts and baked goods.
● Ensure consistent product quality, presentation, and portion standards.
● Recruit, hire, train, and mentor pastry and bakery team members.
● Prepare and manage staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage while controlling labour costs.
● Manage purchasing, ordering, and inventory for pastry and bakery operations.
● Monitor food and labour costs while maintaining quality standards.
● Ensure compliance with all food safety regulations, sanitation standards, and workplace safety requirements.
● Support special events, promotions, and catering opportunities as needed.
What We're Looking ForRequired Qualifications
● Professional Culinary Certification or equivalent credentials; pastry specialization preferred.
● Completion of secondary school.
● Food Handler Certification.
● WHMIS Certification.
● Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps Certification.
● Strong knowledge of baking techniques, pastry production, and dessert presentation.
● Experience creating products for dietary restrictions, including vegan, gluten-free, and nut-free offerings.
● Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills.
● Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Preferred Qualifications
● Minimum two (2) years of supervisory or leadership experience in a bakery, pastry shop, café, or restaurant kitchen.
● Experience in menu development and food cost management.
● Experience working in a startup or rapidly growing hospitality environment.
Physical Requirements
● Ability to stand and work for extended periods.
● Ability to lift and carry food products and supplies.
● Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
What We Offer
● Competitive compensation based on qualifications and experience.
● Creative freedom and input into menu development.
● Flexible scheduling where operationally feasible.
● Employee food discounts.
● Casual dress environment.
● Opportunity to help build and shape a new hospitality concept from the ground up.
Schedule
● Full-time position.
● Day shifts. Evening shifts as required.
● Weekend availability required.
Compensation
● Up to $48,000 annually based on qualifications and experience.
● During the startup phase, this position will be compensated on an hourly basis.
Pay: $45,000.00-$48,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Discounted or free food
- Flexible schedule
Work Location: In person
