Lead Pastry Chef — Create & Scale Scratch Desserts

The Hamilton

Washington (District of Columbia)

On-site

USD 80,000 - 95,000

Full time

14 days+

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Job summary

The Hamilton in downtown Washington, DC is seeking a seasoned Pastry Chef to lead a scratch pastry program at scale. You will partner with the Executive Chef to drive desserts, breads, chocolate work, and seasonal specialties in a high-volume, upscale casual setting.

This hands-on leadership role focuses on menu development from concept to plate, team building, cost controls, and maintaining exceptional quality across all pastry production while partnering with Hamilton Live events.

Qualifications

Proven pastry leadership in high-volume, upscale dining.
Ability to develop and execute a full scratch pastry program.
Experience hiring, scheduling, and coaching a pastry team.
Solid grasp of food costs, inventory, and portioning at scale.
Collaborative leader who maintains quality while upholding culture.

Responsibilities

Lead the creation and ongoing evolution of The Hamilton’s scratch pastry program — plated desserts, bread program, chocolate work, and seasonal specials.
Drive menu development in collaboration with culinary leadership, bringing creativity and consistency in equal measure.
Direct and develop your pastry team — hiring, scheduling, training, and day-to-day coaching in a high-volume Washington, DC kitchen.
Set and enforce quality standards for taste, temperature, portioning, and presentation across all from-scratch production.
Manage pastry inventory, portion specs, and cost controls at scale.
Monitor daily kitchen labor reports and drive accountability on cost targets.
Maintain rigorous safety, sanitation, and equipment standards.
Collaborate with FOH and events team on programming connected to Hamilton Live.