Lead Pastry Chef — Bakery Ops & Menu Innovation

Canada's Wonderland; Buena Park (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

Knott's Berry Farm is seeking a Pastry Chef for the Bakery department. The role oversees baking production, recipe development, and coordination with chefs to plan desserts, manage budgets, and lead a team of baking staff.

The candidate should have extensive pastry expertise, leadership experience, and strong computer/inventory skills to optimize PAR levels and schedule bakery operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in culinary arts is required.
• ServSafe Food - Manager level certification is required.
• California Food Handler's Card is required.
• 8–10 years of prior work experience in bakery/pastry fields.
• 3–5 years of prior leadership or supervisory experience.
• Computer skills including word processors, spreadsheets, and e-mail; experience with inventory systems.
• Skilled bread, pastry and cake production and development.

Responsibilities

• Train and certify food preparation personnel to meet division standards.
• Ensure timely production of baked goods meeting standards and catering demands.
• Maintain health and safety compliance; conduct routine inspections and logs.
• Order supplies based on attendance projections; manage FIFO inventories.
• Create a variety of desserts from fondant, piping, and scratch-baked items; develop new menu items.
• Manage bakery department inventory, cost of goods sold, and finances.
• Communicate effectively with staff and leadership; address guest concerns.
• Motivate and recognize bakery team members.

Skills

Bread production

Pastry production

Leadership

Budget management

Scheduling

Staff supervision

Food safety

Education

Bachelor's degree in culinary arts

Tools

Food trak system

Inventory system

Job description

Knott's Berry Farm is seeking a Pastry Chef for the Bakery department. The role oversees baking production, recipe development, and coordination with chefs to plan desserts, manage budgets, and lead a team of baking staff.

The candidate should have extensive pastry expertise, leadership experience, and strong computer/inventory skills to optimize PAR levels and schedule bakery operations.