Executive Pastry Chef

dnata; Brisbane (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free meals during shift

Healthcare benefits

Job summary

dnata is seeking an Executive Pastry Chef to lead all pastry and bakery operations for airline clients. This role focuses on product development, team leadership, cost management, quality assurance, and strict adherence to food safety standards.

The ideal candidate has 5–10+ years of pastry leadership experience, strong technical skills across pastry disciplines, and a track record in high-volume hospitality or airline catering.

Qualifications

• Culinary degree or pastry arts certification is preferred.
• 5–10+ years of pastry experience with leadership or management responsibilities.
• Food safety certification as required by local regulations.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop innovative pastry, dessert, bakery, and seasonal menu offerings for airline clients.
• Oversee daily pastry kitchen operations and production schedules to ensure timely delivery.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and supervise pastry chefs, bakers, and support staff.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health regulations; maintain clean and organized pastry areas.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets and monitor food costs and inventory.

Skills

Pastry leadership

Pastry techniques

Food safety knowledge

Team leadership

Education

Culinary degree or pastry arts certification

Job description

dnata is one of the world’s largest air services providers. Established in 1959, the company ensures the aviation industry operates smoothly and efficiently in 127 airports. Offering ground handling, cargo, travel, and flight catering services in 35 countries across six continents, dnata is a trusted partner for over 300 airline customers around the world. Each day, the company handles over 1,900 flights, moves over 8,500 tons of cargo, books over 16,000 hotel stays, and uplifts over 320,000 meals.

What We Offer

Comprehensive Benefits Package: Full-time employees are eligible for 401(k) and healthcare benefits including Medical, Dental & Vision

Complimentary Daily Meals: Enjoy FREE breakfast, lunch, and dinner during your shift

Our Mission

• To be the word's most admired air and travel provider

Our Core Values

• We Are Safe
• We Are Future Thinkers
• We Play To Win
• We Respect Everyone and Work As A Team

The Executive Pastry Chef at dnata, leads all pastry and bakery operations, overseeing the creation, production, quality, and presentation of desserts, breads, pastries, and specialty baked goods. This role is responsible for product development, team leadership, food cost management, quality assurance, and maintaining high culinary standards while ensuring compliance with food safety regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Culinary Leadership

• Design and develop innovative pastry, dessert, bakery, and seasonal menu offerings for our airline clients.
• Maintain consistency, quality, and presentation standards across all pastry products.
• Research industry trends and introduce and explore new techniques, ingredients, and concepts.
• Collaborate with culinary and food & beverage teams on menu planning and special events.
• Lead menu presentations for the pastry and dessert offerings.

Operations Management

• Oversee daily pastry kitchen operations and production schedules.
• Ensure efficient workflow and timely delivery of products.
• Monitor inventory levels and manage ordering of ingredients and supplies.
• Control food costs, waste, and labor expenses to meet budget targets.
• Assist with all planning, staff training and opening of new pastry kitchens

Team Management

• Recruit, train, mentor, and supervise pastry chefs, bakers, and support staff.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching.
• Create staff schedules and manage labor allocation.
• Foster a positive, professional, and high-performance kitchen culture.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of pastry production areas.
• Implement quality control procedures and product testing.
• Monitor equipment maintenance and operational readiness.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets.
• Analyze food cost percentages and profitability.
• Negotiate with suppliers and manage purchasing relationships.
• Prepare reports on production, inventory, and financial performance.

Qualifications

• Culinary degree, pastry arts certification, or equivalent professional training preferred.
• 5–10+ years of pastry experience, including leadership or management responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of pastry techniques, baking science, chocolate work, sugar work, and dessert plating.
• Experience in high-volume hospitality, luxury hotels, restaurants, resorts, or catering operations – airline experience will be beneficial.
• Food safety certification as required by local regulations.

Required Skills

• Advanced pastry and baking expertise.
• Leadership and team development skills.
• Menu and recipe development.
• Cost control and budgeting.
• Inventory and purchasing management.
• Time management and organizational skills.
• Strong attention to detail and creativity.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
• Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.

We believe that diversity and inclusion are fundamental to creating a strong workplace and community. At dnata, we’re proud that our workforce is as diverse as the customers we serve. And we’re committed to nurturing your talent with mentoring, volunteer and professional development opportunities. We welcome everyone. Our employee resource groups are one of the many ways we champion diversity and inclusion at dnata.

Notice Regarding Background Checks (State Law Disclosures)

dnata Catering may obtain consumer reports and/or investigative consumer reports about applicants or employees for employment purposes, in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq.) and applicable state laws.

• California: Pursuant to the California Investigative Consumer Reporting Agencies Act (Cal. Civ. Code § 1786 et seq.), dnata Catering may obtain an investigative consumer report that may include information regarding your character, general reputation, personal characteristics, or mode of living. You have the right to request a copy of any report obtained.
• New York: In accordance with Article 23-A of the New York Correction Law and the New York Human Rights Law, background checks will be conducted only as permitted by law, and any employment decision based on criminal history will follow required legal standards and notice requirements.
• Massachusetts: Pursuant to the Massachusetts Consumer Reporting Act (M.G.L. c. 93, § 52 et seq.) and the Massachusetts CORI statute (M.G.L. c. 6, § 172), dnata Catering may obtain a consumer report or criminal offender record information for employment purposes, consistent with state law. Applicants may request a copy of any report obtained.
• New Jersey: In accordance with the New Jersey Opportunity to Compete Act (N.J.S.A. 34:6B-11 et seq.) and applicable consumer reporting laws, background checks will be conducted only as permitted by law, and applicants will receive required notices and rights regarding any consumer report obtained.
• Texas: Background checks may be conducted in accordance with applicable Texas law and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Applicants will receive required disclosures and authorizations prior to any consumer report being obtained.
• Tennessee: Background checks may be conducted in accordance with applicable Tennessee law and the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Applicants will receive required disclosures and authorizations prior to any consumer report being obtained.