Junior Sous Chef - Pastry

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off

401(k) program

Discounted associate meals

Access to resort amenities

Job summary

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort seeks a Pastry Junior Sous Chef to lead the daily operation of the pastry kitchen, crafting breads, pastries, desserts, ice cream, fillings, toppings, and confections that define luxury guest experiences. You will guide the pastry team, oversee production, and uphold high culinary and sanitation standards.

This role offers leadership opportunities within a four-season resort, with flexible scheduling including mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays; you will mentor

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of progressive pastry experience in a professional culinary environment, luxury hospitality experience preferred
• Previous leadership or supervisory experience in a pastry kitchen preferred
• Degree from a post-secondary culinary arts training program preferred
• Working knowledge of pastry production, inventory management, food safety, and sanitation standards
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and varying shifts
• Ability to communicate clearly in English and work effectively with diverse teams
• Ability to stand for extended periods and safely lift and move products and equipment as required

Responsibilities

• Lead daily operation of the pastry kitchen by supervising production
• Prepare breads, pastries, desserts, ice cream, fillings, toppings, and confections
• Coordinate daily production schedules and oversee prep par levels
• Monitor quality, portion control, and presentation while upholding standards
• Partner with the Sous Chef to manage ordering, inventory levels, and rotation
• Develop seasonal features and menu enhancements
• Train, mentor, and support pastry team members on techniques and safety
• Assign daily responsibilities and monitor workflow
• Ensure sanitation and food safety across kitchen areas

Skills

Pastry leadership

Supervisory experience

Inventory management

Food safety

English communication

Flexibility schedule

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Culinary arts degree

Job description

As a Pastry Junior Sous Chef, you will help lead the daily operations of the pastry kitchen while creating exceptional breads, pastries, desserts, ice cream, fillings, toppings, and specialty confections that define the luxury guest experience. Working alongside the Sous Chef, you will guide team members, oversee production, uphold the highest culinary and sanitation standards, and help ensure every pastry offering reflects precision, creativity, and consistency. This role is ideal for a culinary professional ready to expand leadership responsibilities while continuing to refine technical expertise in a luxury resort environment.

What You Will Create

You will help lead the daily operation of the pastry kitchen by supervising production and actively preparing breads, pastries, desserts, ice cream, fillings, toppings, and specialty confections that meet luxury hospitality standards.

You will coordinate daily production schedules and oversee prep par levels to ensure the pastry team is prepared for service and special events.

You will monitor product quality, consistency, portion control, and presentation while maintaining established culinary standards and supporting financial performance.

You will partner with the Sous Chef to manage ordering, inventory levels, and product rotation to support efficient kitchen operations.

You will assist in developing seasonal features, specialty desserts, and menu enhancements while contributing creative ideas that elevate the guest experience.

You will help train, mentor, and support pastry team members by reinforcing culinary techniques, service expectations, food safety practices, and departmental standards.

You will assist with assigning daily responsibilities, monitoring workflow, and promoting effective communication throughout each shift.

You will ensure the pastry kitchen, equipment, workstations, and walk-in storage areas meet sanitation, cleanliness, and food safety standards at all times.

You will support the Sous Chef with operational priorities and help maintain a collaborative, high-performing pastry team focused on excellence and continuous improvement.

What You Can Expect

Fast-paced luxury resort culinary environment with evolving production demands

Leadership opportunities while working alongside experienced culinary professionals

Flexible schedule including mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak business periods

Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and working in temperature-controlled kitchen environments

Responsibility for supporting production across multiple outlets, events, and banquet operations

Close collaboration with culinary leadership and cross-functional resort teams

Opportunities to strengthen leadership skills and prepare for future culinary management roles

What You Bring

Passion for pastry arts and creating exceptional guest experiences through culinary excellence

Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, coach, and support a collaborative team

Excellent organizational and time management abilities in a high-volume environment

Commitment to quality, consistency, sanitation, and attention to detail

Creative mindset with the ability to contribute innovative pastry concepts and seasonal offerings

Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt quickly to changing operational needs

Professional communication skills and the confidence to provide direction while fostering a positive team culture

Dedication to continuous learning and developing future culinary leaders

Qualifications

Minimum of 4 years of progressive pastry experience in a professional culinary environment, luxury hospitality experience preferred

Previous leadership or supervisory experience in a pastry kitchen preferred

Degree from a post-secondary culinary arts training program preferred

Working knowledge of pastry production, inventory management, food safety, and sanitation standards

Ability to work a flexible schedule, including weekends, holidays, and varying shifts

Ability to communicate clearly in English and work effectively with diverse teams

Ability to stand for extended periods and safely lift and move products and equipment as required

Additional Information

This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or activities associated with this position.

Responsibilities may change or be assigned as needed to support operational needs and exceptional guest service standards.

Craft a Career Defined by Excellence, Growth, and Experience

Set within Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, Nemacolin brings together luxury-level service, refined hospitality, and a culture where meaningful careers take shape through experience, mentorship, and opportunity. Each role contributes to extraordinary guest and member moments while building a professional journey grounded in craftsmanship, collaboration, and pride.

A dynamic rooted in accountability, respect, and innovation encourages professionals to contribute ideas, elevate standards, mentor others, and grow with intention.

Professional Development & Recognition

• Paid training and continuous learning opportunities
• Leadership development and accelerated leadership pathways
• Mentorship, coaching, and cross-functional experience
• Monthly recognition opportunities for associates, leaders, and teams

Benefits Designed for Well-Being and Lifestyle

• Competitive compensation and attractive 401(k) program
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage available
• Paid time off
• Educational and career advancement support
• Savings across resort dining, retail, spa, and activities
• Discounted associate meals, dry cleaning, and uniform services
• Exclusive access to The Rec Center, The Market, The Pub, and the Wisteria associate community

A career at Nemacolin weaves together professional and personalized development, meaningful relationships, and the opportunity to help shape unforgettable experiences for guests, members, and colleagues alike.

Bring your passion. Grow your career. Create Real Life Magic.

About Nemacolin

A private, family-owned, and woman-owned luxury resort unlike anything else in the hospitality industry, Nemacolin spans more than 2,200 breathtaking acres in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands. Recognized by Forbes Travel Guide, AAA, and Preferred Hotels & Resorts, this four-season destination blends refined hospitality with creativity, craftsmanship, and a spirit of adventure that defines every guest and member experience.

Distinctive accommodations, immersive experiences, and a culture grounded in artistry and service excellence come together to create a setting where guests, members, and associates find inspiration. Across the resort, Real Life Magic is brought to life through meaningful moments, genuine connection, and a shared commitment to delivering something truly exceptional.

Visit Nemacolin.com to step inside the story, explore the experiences, and discover what draws people to Nemacolin. Then, imagine how your talents, perspective, and ambition could shape what comes next.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.