Senior R&D Development Chef (Pastry/Baking)

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

Job summary

Dessert Holdings is seeking a Senior R&D Development Chef to be based in Delta, BC, developing new products from concept to prototype while meeting taste, functionality, quality, and cost targets. You will support documentation, formulations, pilot testing, shelf-life studies, and commercialization touchpoints, coordinating with QA, sanitation, and engineering, and collaborating with vendors.

The ideal candidate will have an Associate degree in pastry arts/baking, at least five years of hands-on

Qualifications

• Hands-on baking/pastry experience with strong palate and recipe development.
• Minimum 5 years in baking/pastry, plus product commercialization experience.
• Ability to work self-directed with strong time management and organization.
• Willingness to travel up to 10–20% across North America.

Responsibilities

• Research, formulate, and develop bakery concepts within time, cost, and processing constraints.
• Create proof-of-concept samples for new desserts and present specs for customer approval.
• Stay current on dessert trends and apply ideas to development.
• Collaborate with vendors and internal teams to verify SOPs for manufacturing tests.
• Compile summaries, guidelines, test data, and trial plans.
• Work with Supply Chain to source new ingredients.
• Improve product quality by reviewing formulations and ingredient parameters.
• Maintain sanitation and cleanliness of kitchen areas.

Skills

Pastry Arts

Product development

Time management

Communication skills

Self-direction

Education

Associate's Degree in Pastry Arts/Baking

Red Seal designation in Canada

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

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.

Senior R&D Development Chef

We are 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.