Pastry Chef – Lead Scratch Program, High-Volume DC Kitchen

The-Hamilton; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Quarterly bonus potential

Company-funded retirement plan (401k)

Health, dental, vision, life insurance

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Training & education

Dining discounts

Parking benefits

Employee assistance

Wellness programs

Discounts

Job summary

The Hamilton in Washington, DC is seeking an experienced Pastry Chef to lead a full pastry program in a high-volume, upscale casual setting. You will partner with the Executive Chef to develop plated desserts, breads, chocolate work, and seasonal specialties, while building a dedicated pastry team.

This hands-on leadership role requires a track record of driving menu development, managing costs, and upholding craft and consistency in a fast-paced venue connected to Hamilton Live.

Qualifications

• Proven pastry leadership experience in a high-volume, upscale dining environment.
• Proven ability to develop and execute a full scratch pastry program: plated desserts, breads, chocolate, seasonal menus.
• Deep command of classical and contemporary pastry techniques in a scratch kitchen.
• Experience hiring, scheduling, and developing a pastry team in a fast-paced, high-volume restaurant.
• Solid grasp of food costs, inventory, and portioning at scale.
• Collaborative leader who upholds quality while maintaining culture.
• Genuine passion for American cuisine and curiosity about its direction.
• Ability to thrive in high-volume upscale environment without sacrificing craft.

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.

Skills

Pastry leadership

Menu development

Pastry techniques

Team supervision

Food cost control

Job description

The Hamilton in Washington, DC is seeking an experienced Pastry Chef to lead a full pastry program in a high-volume, upscale casual setting. You will partner with the Executive Chef to develop plated desserts, breads, chocolate work, and seasonal specialties, while building a dedicated pastry team.

This hands-on leadership role requires a track record of driving menu development, managing costs, and upholding craft and consistency in a fast-paced venue connected to Hamilton Live.