Assistant Pastry Chef

Splendido; Oro Valley (AZ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

401(k) with employer match

Parking or transit support

Wellness Spending Account

Medical, dental, and vision plans

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Disability and life insurance

Job summary

Splendido in Oro Valley, AZ, seeks an Assistant Pastry Chef to work alongside the Pastry Chef, leading bake shop operations and crafting pastries, cakes, confections, and seasonal desserts for guests and events.

The role requires 2+ years as a baker or pastry cook, strong baking techniques, and the ability to follow/scale recipes. Responsible for presentation, safety, and inventory, with opportunities to influence menus and showpieces.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience as a baker or pastry cook.
• Strong knowledge of classic and modern baking techniques.
• Ability to follow and create standardized recipes.
• Effective communication with team, residents, and guests.
• Understanding of nutrition, allergens, and dietary restrictions.
• Current sanitation certification.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support Pastry Chef and oversee Baker operations.
• Bake pastries, breads, cakes, and desserts from scratch.
• Co-create seasonal dessert menus aligned with standards.
• Prepare showpieces and event desserts per BEOs.
• Ensure stunning presentation and consistent quality.
• Collaborate on purchasing via online platforms.
• Train team on equipment use and food safety.
• Minimize waste using production lists and par levels.
• Adapt recipes for dietary needs.
• Maintain recipes, nutrition info, and inventory.
• Drive quality assurance and process improvements.

Skills

Baking techniques

Standardized recipes

Team communication

Nutrition & dietary restrictions

Food safety

Education

Culinary Arts degree

CPC certification

Job description

Bring your creativity and pastry expertise to Splendido, a luxury culinary destination where scratch-made desserts and artisan breads take center stage. As our full-time Assistant Pastry Chef , you’ll work side-by-side with our Pastry Chef to lead bakeshop operations, craft stunning pastries, cakes, confections, and seasonal dessert menus, and support events with showpieces and stylish buffet displays. If you’re passionate about baking, thrive in a collaborative kitchen, and love delighting guests with high-quality, eye-catching creations—this is the role for you. Weekend, weeknight, and holiday availability required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead & Support: Assist Pastry Chef and oversee Baker operations.
• Bake with Excellence: Craft top-tier pastries, breads, cakes, and desserts from scratch.
• Menu Innovation: Co-create seasonal dessert menus aligned with Mather standards.
• Cater with Style: Prepare showpieces and event desserts per BEOs.
• Quality First: Ensure stunning presentation and consistent product quality.
• Smart Ordering: Collaborate on purchasing via online platforms.
• Safety & Cleanliness: Train team on equipment use and food safety; maintain clean workspace.
• Waste Control: Use production lists and par levels to minimize waste.
• Nutrition Savvy: Adapt recipes for dietary needs and preferences.
• Database Management: Keep recipes, nutrition info, and inventory updated.
• Continuous Improvement: Drive quality assurance and process enhancements.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Required:

• 2+ years of experience as a baker or pastry cook.
• Strong knowledge of classic and modern baking techniques.
• Ability to follow and create standardized recipes.
• Effective communication with team, residents, and guests.
• Understanding of nutrition, allergens, and dietary restrictions.
• Current sanitation certification.

Preferred:

• Culinary Arts degree with a focus in Baking & Pastry.
• CPC certification from the American Culinary Federation.

#INDS123

Benefits

Mather offers a competitive benefits package.*

Team members are eligible for:

• A generous paid time off (PTO) program including vacation days/personal days, sick days, and holidays. This is an “earn-as-you-go” plan that rolls over year to year, offering long- and short-term flexibility.
• A 401(k) program with per pay-period employer match and annual employer contribution (available to those age 21 or better)
• Convenient, subsidized parking (or public transportation for certain locations)
• Wellness Spending Account: up to $300 available annually for Wellness related expenses such as gym memberships, financial planning, etc.

Benefits-eligible team members can take advantage of:

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Paid Parental Leave
• Adoption Assistance Reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement for continuing education
• Extended illness benefits
• Employee wellness programs
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance is available to benefit eligible team members.

*Benefits are subject to change without notice. Benefits details dependent on employment status.

About Splendido

Splendido is a Life Plan Community for those age 55 and better. Thanks to our creative and dedicated team members, we offer residents new possibilities each day—along with resort amenities, numerous options for healthy lifestyles, and a breathtaking location in Oro Valley, Arizona. Splendido includes 293 Terrace and Villa Homes, as well as assisted living, memory care, long-term care, and rehabilitation services, along with multiple restaurants, a fitness center, an art studio, a putting green, and more.

Splendido is located at 13500 Rancho Vistoso Boulevard in Tucson.

About Mather

Mather is one of two parent organizations of Splendido. Based in Evanston, Illinois, Mather is a unique, non-denominational, not-for-profit organization founded in 1941. Dedicated to developing and implementing Ways to Age WellSM, we create programs, places, and residences for today’s young-at-heart older adults. Mather has received a national certification as a Great Place to Work®, and has been selected as a Nation’s Best and Brightest in Wellness Award recipient four years in a row.

Mather is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer committed to an inclusive workforce. Candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.