Senior R&D Development Chef (Pastry/Baking)

Dessert Holdings Inc.; Delta; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Dessert Holdings Inc. is seeking a Senior R&D Development Chef (Pastry/Baking) in Delta, BC.

You will lead from concept to prototype, developing new bakery products that meet taste, cost, and quality standards, while coordinating with vendors, internal teams, and suppliers. You will manage documentation, formulas, pilot testing, shelf-life studies, and sanitation as you drive new product commercialization across North America.

Qualifications

• Associate's Degree in Pastry Arts/Baking required or equivalent
• Minimum 5 years hands-on baking/pastry experience with strong palate and recipe development
• Prior product commercialization experience required
• Self-directed with strong time management and organizational skills
• Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint proficiency
• Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 25 pounds
• Flexibility to work extended hours and weekends; travel up to 10–20% across North America

Responsibilities

• Research, formulate, and develop new bakery product concepts within time and cost constraints
• Create proof-of-concept samples for desserts and present specifications to customers
• Stay current on culinary dessert trends and apply to new product development
• Collaborate with vendors, QA, sanitation, and engineering to verify SOPs for tested products
• Compile summaries, guidelines, data, and trial plans
• Coordinate with Supply Chain on ingredient sourcing
• Improve product quality through formulation parameter reviews
• Maintain organization of refrigerators, freezers and kitchen areas

Skills

Baking/Pastry

Time management

Communication

Multi-tasking

Education

Associate's Degree in Pastry Arts/Baking

Red Seal designation in Canada

Food science training or degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Location Type: Onsite

Senior R&D Development Chef (Pastry/Baking)

Dessert Holdings is the leading premium dessert company in the world. We craft artisanal, scratch-made desserts at scale, combining culinary innovation with the finest real ingredients. With a rich heritage spanning seven distinctive brands, we bring unmatched expertise and tailored solutions to our Retail and Foodservice partners.

Dessert Holdings is looking for a Senior R&D Development Chef to be based in our Delta, British Columbia location to use culinary knowledge and creative ability to develop new products for commercialization. From concept to prototype samples, this role is responsible for delivering products on time that meet taste, functionality, quality, and cost expectations. This position will be involved with documentation, formulations, pilot testing and commercialization touch points, vendor visits, ordering and testing raw materials, shelf-life studies, and kitchen/bench sanitation and cleanliness.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research, formulate, and develop new bakery product concepts within time, cost, and processing requirements.
• Construct proof of concept samples for new desserts to support innovation and sales; prepare and present samples and specifications for customer presentation and acceptance.
• Stay current on culinary trends in desserts and baked goods and bring ideas into new product development.
• Consult with vendors and suppliers, and internal partners like Quality, Sanitation, and Engineering to verify SOPs for products being tested for manufacturing.
• Compile accurate and timely summaries, guidelines, test data, and trial plans.
• Work with Supply Chain on sourcing new ingredients.
• Improve product quality through ongoing review of formulation and ingredient parameters.
• Maintain, organize, and keep refrigerators, freezers, and kitchen areas clean.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate's Degree in Pastry Arts/Baking; food science training or degree is beneficial (or Red Seal designation in Canada)
• At least 5 years of hands-on experience in baking/pastry arts with exceptional palate, sensory, recipe development, and baking skills
• Prior product commercialization experience required
• Ability to work self-directed with strong time management, organizational, multi-tasking, and communication skills
• Computer savvy in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Ability to stand for extended periods and use tools and reach with hands and arms
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds, work around potential food allergens, and work in a variety of temperatures and with dampness or chemicals
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including extended hours and weekends, as required
• Ability to travel up to 10 to 20% throughout North America

About Dessert Holdings

Dessert Holdings is a collection of premium dessert companies and brands: The Original Cakerie, Lawler's Desserts, Atlanta Cheesecake Company, Steven Charles, Dianne's Fine Desserts, Kenny's Great Pies, and Willamette Valley Pie Company. Dessert Holdings is owned by Bain Capital, is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, employs more than 3,500 people across ten manufacturing facilities, and is continuing its journey of rapid growth.

EEO Statement

Dessert Holdings and its related entities provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristics protected by law.