Lead Pastry Cook

kalaharijobs; Woodford (VA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career growth

401(k) matching

Health, dental & vision

Employee appreciation events

Education assistance

Job summary

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is seeking a Lead Pastry Cook to support the Pastry Sous Chef in bake shop operations and day-to-day pastry production across our resort restaurants, outlets, and banquets.

As part of our leadership team, you will guide, mentor, and inspire associates while delivering desserts that delight guests; maintain a clean, organized workspace and ensure timely preparation aligned with high standards of quality and service.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in F&B or culinary certification preferred.
• State/local food handling certification may be required by law.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment with deadlines.
• Flexible to work all shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all baked items are prepared to recipes and standards for restaurants, outlets, and banquets.
• Assist with decorative cakes, statuaries, and event ornaments for special occasions.
• Keep workspaces and equipment clean and in good condition per maintenance programs.

Skills

Fast-paced environment

Work under pressure

Shift flexibility

Education

Associate degree in F&B

Culinary certification (state/local food handling)

Job description

Help Deliver the Kalahari Experience

At Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, we don’t just create vacations—we craft unforgettable experiences. Home to America’s Largest Indoor Waterparks, our African-inspired resorts offer world-class dining, luxurious spas, thrilling entertainment, and cutting-edge convention centers that redefine hospitality.

But we’re more than a resort. As a family-owned company, our Promise is simple:Lead with Love. This means caring deeply for our guests, associates, and communities—treating people like family, giving back generously, and creating spaces where everyone feels valued.

Through our partnership with charity: water, we’re also committed to bringing clean water to one million people in Africa.

Lead Pastry Cook

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is seeking aLead Pastry Cook. In this role, you willassist the Pastry Sous Chef in the bake shop operations assuring the proper preparation of all baked items for the Resort’s restaurants, food and beverage outlets, and banquet day-to-day pastry production and operations.

As part of our leadership team, you’ll embody our Promise toLead with Love—guiding, supporting, and inspiring associates while delivering extraordinary guest experiences. You’ll create delicious and visually appealing desserts that enhance the overall dining experience for our guests. You’ll collaborate with the culinary team, maintaining a clean and organized workspace, and ensuring consistent quality and timely preparation.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure that all food and beverage products are consistently prepared and served according to the restaurant’s recipes, portioning, cooking and serving standards.
• Help Pastry Sous Chef with decorative cakes, statuaries and ornaments for special events, parties, and banquets.
• Ensure that all equipment is kept clean and kept in excellent working condition through personal inspection and by following the culinary preventative maintenance programs.

What We’re Looking For

• An associate’s degree in F&B and/or course certification from an accredited Culinary Institute is helpful.
• State or Local Law may require a certificate upon completion of state-certified proper food handling certification.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, busy, and somewhat stressful environment, work under pressure and meet deadlines with particular attention to detail.
• Must be able to work and be flexible with all shifts, weekends, and holidays.

A Sampling of Our Benefits

Our team enjoys a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Career growth opportunities with promotion from within
• 401(k) matching, paid time off, and holiday compensation
• Health, dental, and vision coverage for full-time associates
• Employee appreciation events, discounts, and perks at all resorts
• Education assistance programs to help advance your career

Be Part of Something Extraordinary

At Kalahari, we believe the best leadersLead with Love—because love builds trust, inspires growth, and creates experiences that last a lifetime. That’s why we’re proud to be recognized by Forbes as one of America’s Best Midsize Employers, America’s Best Employers for Women, and by USA TODAY as the #1 Best Indoor Water Park.

Here, careers thrive, innovation is encouraged, and every day brings new opportunities to create meaningful moments. Whether you’re delivering guest service, crafting memorable meals, or leading a team, your work makes a real impact.

|Wisconsin Dells, WI|Sandusky, OH|Pocono Manor, PA|Round Rock, TX|Spotsylvania County, VA |

Kalahari Resorts & Conventions is an Equal Opportunity Employer.