Lead Pastry Chef – High-End Bakery & Café | Saudi Arabia

The Career Nest; Al Khobar; On-site; SAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff discounts across the group

Reward scheme

2 days off per week

30 days annual leave

Comprehensive medical insurance

Leadership role with growth

Job summary

The Career Nest seeks a Head Pastry Chef to oversee all pastry and bakery production, ensuring luxury quality and consistency in line with international standards. You will lead the pastry team, manage daily operations, and contribute to menu development and product innovation.

You will drive cost control, supervise suppliers, and uphold food safety and brand integrity within an expanding international concept.

Qualifications

• 5–8 years of pastry experience, incl. 2–3 years in a leadership role in premium venues.
• Expertise in high-end pastry, viennoiserie, and baked goods with strong presentation.
• Experience managing production planning in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Ability to lead, train, schedule and develop junior chefs while maintaining discipline.
• Strong brand-alignment and menu development skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the pastry team with clear structure and high-performance standards.
• Collaborate on refined pastry and bakery menus aligned with the brand identity.
• Oversee production schedules, inventory, and purchasing for efficiency.
• Maintain strict food safety, hygiene, and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor food cost, portion control, and waste reduction to optimize profitability.

Skills

Pastry leadership

Viennoiserie

Menu development

Cost management

Job description

The Role

As our Head Pastry Chef, you will oversee all pastry and bakery production, ensuring consistency, quality, and alignment with international luxury standards. You will lead the pastry team, manage daily operations, and contribute strategically to menu development, product innovation, and cost control. Your leadership will directly influence guest satisfaction and commercial performance.

Your Profile

Professional Experience

• Minimum 5–8 years of professional pastry experience, including at least 2–3 years in a leadership role within a premium patisserie, fine dining restaurant, or upscale café concept.
• Proven expertise in high‑end pastry, viennoiserie, and baked goods, with strong attention to flavor balance, texture, and presentation.
• Experience managing production planning in a fast‑paced, high‑volume environment.

Leadership & Team Development

• You lead and mentor your team with clarity, structure, and high‑performance standards.
• You are confident in training, scheduling, and developing junior chefs while fostering a collaborative and disciplined kitchen culture.
• You maintain composure and authority during peak production periods.

Menu Development & Brand Alignment

• You contribute to the creation and evolution of refined pastry and bakery menus aligned with the brand identity.
• You collaborate closely with senior culinary leadership on tastings, seasonal launches, and product innovation.
• You stay informed of international pastry trends and apply them thoughtfully to enhance the concept.

Operational & Financial Acumen

• You actively manage food cost, portion control, and waste reduction to optimize profitability.
• You oversee inventory, supplier coordination, and purchasing to maintain ingredient quality and operational efficiency.
• You ensure production schedules are organized, structured, and aligned with daily business needs.

Quality & Compliance

• You maintain meticulous attention to detail across flavor, texture, and visual presentation.
• You enforce strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and local regulatory standards at all times.
• You ensure the pastry section consistently meets brand and operational expectations.

What We Offer

• Staff discounts across the wider international hospitality group and sister companies.
• A very attractive reward scheme program.
• 2 days off per week + 30 days annual leave.
• Comprehensive medical insurance.
• A leadership role within an expanding international concept, with opportunities for future mobility and growth.