Executive Pastry Chef

Sweet Hearts Patisserie; Annapolis (MD); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Holiday pay

Creative kitchen culture

Job summary

Sweet Hearts Patisserie is a boutique, French-inspired patisserie in Annapolis seeking an Executive Pastry Chef to lead the kitchen team and shape our culinary identity. You will mentor staff, refine production standards, and collaborate with ownership on seasonal menus while upholding exceptional quality for guests.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in classic French pastry technique, strong leadership presence, and a track record of elevating a boutique operation with precision and

Qualifications

• 10+ years of professional pastry experience with at least 3 years in lead or supervisory role.
• Formal culinary or pastry arts training (degree or certificate preferred).
• Deep proficiency in classical French pastry and baking techniques—cakes, entremets, petit fours, tarts, confections.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and inspire the kitchen team with craft, respect, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee pastry production to ensure quality, accuracy, efficiency, and presentation standards.
• Create production schedules and coordinate workflow for daily ops and events.
• Train team in French pastry techniques, kitchen safety and brand standards.

Skills

Leadership

French pastry

Team management

Menu development

Food safety

Education

Culinary or pastry arts training

Job description

Sweet Hearts Patisserie

Fine Handmade Pastries

NOW HIRING

Executive Pastry Chef

Full-Time Kitchen Leadership Boutique French-Inspired Patisserie

ABOUT SWEET HEARTS PATISSERIE

Sweet Hearts Patisserie is a boutique, French-inspired artisanal patisserie dedicated to the craft of handmade pastries made with the finest ingredients. We are passionate about creating an extraordinary experience for every guest — from the first glimpse of our display cases to the last bite.Specialties include French macarons and gourmet petit fours, as well as wedding cakes, layer cakes, tarts, and entremets.Our intimate kitchen is a place where passion, precision, and skill come together daily.

POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking an accomplished and inspired Executive Pastry Chef to lead our kitchen team and serve as the operational heart of Sweet Hearts Patisserie. This is a rare opportunity to help shape and refine the culinary identity of a growing boutique establishment, mentor a dedicated team, and bring your experience and skills to life in an environment that values quality above all else.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in classic French pastry technique, an unwavering eye for detail, and the leadership presence to elevate a team. You will work closely with ownership to develop seasonal menus, refine production standards, and uphold the exceptional quality our guests have come to expect.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

KITCHEN LEADERSHIP

• Lead, mentor, and inspire the kitchen team, fostering a culture of craft, respect, and continuous improvement
• Oversee all pastry production to ensure consistent quality, accuracy, efficiency, and presentation standards
• Create and maintain production schedules, coordinating team workflow for daily operations and special events
• Train and develop team members in French pastry techniques, kitchen safety and sanitation, and brand standards

MENU DEVELOPMENT

• Develop and execute seasonal pastry menus featuring French-inspired classics and modern original creations
• Collaborate with ownership on product direction, new offerings, and pricing strategy
• Research trends in artisanal pastry and integrate innovative techniques while honoring traditional craftsmanship
• Design and maintain recipe documentation with precise formulas and procedures for all menu items
• Work with sales team to create unique custom products for VIP clients and wholesale accounts

OPERATIONS & STANDARDS

• Manage inventory, ordering, and vendor relationships for all pastry ingredients and supplies
• Ensure kitchen cleanliness, organization, and full compliance with health, food safety, and sanitation regulations
• Monitor food costs, minimize waste, and help maintain profitability targets
• Oversee equipment maintenance and flag repair or replacement needs proactively
• Uphold Sweet Hearts Patisserie quality and presentation standards at every point of production

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED

• 10+ years of professional pastry experience, with at least 3 years in a lead or supervisory role
• Formal culinary or pastry arts training (degree or certificate from an accredited program preferred)
• Deep proficiency in classical French pastry and baking techniques —cakes, entremets, petit fours, tarts, and confections
• Demonstrated ability to lead, schedule, and motivate a kitchen team
• Strong understanding of food safety principles and current ServSafe certification (or ability to obtain)
• Meticulous attention to detail and a passion for precision in both flavor and aesthetics

PREFERRED

• Experience in a boutique or upscale patisserie, hotel, or fine dining pastry environment
• Familiarity with seasonal menu planning and ingredient sourcing
• Experience with custom cake design, wedding cakes, or special event production

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Benefits package including health insurance and retirement
• Paid time off and holiday pay
• A creative, supportive kitchen culture where your voice and vision matter
• The opportunity to lead and enhance the culinary identity of a beloved local patisserie

Sweet Hearts Patisserie is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members.

Sweet Hearts Patisserie Fine Handmade Pastries