Onboard Dessert Lead Chef — Pastry Mastery at Sea

American Cruise Lines; Mount Vernon (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision, and 401(k)

Travel, room and board, uniforms, and

Job summary

American Cruise Lines is seeking a Sous Chef - Pastry and Dessert Lead for the 2027 season aboard our ships. You will lead the pastry team, craft a wide range of desserts, and ensure presentation meets our high standards across cafés, buffets, and main dining.

This role requires creativity, menu testing, and strict adherence to recipes and safety guidelines. The position offers living accommodations onboard and a challenging, rewarding culinary environment with opportunities to contribute to

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts or pastry & baking, and/or 3-5 years of experience.
• Basic understanding of professional baking and pastries and food & beverage knowledge.
• Problem solving, organization, and self-motivation.
• Commitment to quality service.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug test.
• Must complete a criminal background check.
• TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential).
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the culinary team to produce café, buffet, and hors d’oeuvres, maintaining high guest scores.
• Ensure world-class culinary skill and presentation across all ship food.
• Prepare items per established recipes, portions, and presentation standards.
• Set up, maintain, and break down stations per FDA standards.
• Taste products to assess quality.
• Notify Executive Chef of shortages or equipment maintenance issues.
• Maintain accurate counts of food items and production.
• Schedule production of all baked goods.
• Maintain inventory of fresh baked goods.
• Operate food production equipment as instructed by manufacturers.
• Maintain a professional appearance at all times.
• Ensure guests have a positive and memorable experience.
• Uphold hygiene and food safety standards at all stages.

Skills

Problem solving

Organization

Self-motivation

Commitment to quality service

Pre-employment drug test

Background check

TWIC

Education

Associate’s degree in Culinary Arts or pastry & baking

Job description

American Cruise Lines is seeking a Sous Chef - Pastry and Dessert Lead for the 2027 season aboard our ships. You will lead the pastry team, craft a wide range of desserts, and ensure presentation meets our high standards across cafés, buffets, and main dining.

This role requires creativity, menu testing, and strict adherence to recipes and safety guidelines. The position offers living accommodations onboard and a challenging, rewarding culinary environment with opportunities to contribute to