Pastry Cook - Pastry

Proper Hospitality; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Proper Hospitality in Austin is seeking a skilled Pastry Cook responsible for preparing and baking high-quality pastries and desserts. This role involves maintaining cleanliness, managing inventory, and adhering to health regulations while supporting the kitchen team.

The ideal candidate will have a culinary arts background and 1-2 years of relevant experience. A creative mindset and attention to detail are essential for decorating and presenting pastries beautifully. This role offers a chance to develop your skills in a renowned culinary environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1–2 years of experience in a pastry kitchen or similar environment.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and safe food handling.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and bake a variety of pastries and desserts.
• Assist with inventory control and ingredient management.
• Maintain a clean and organized workstation.

Skills

Pastry techniques

Creativity and detail orientation

Ability to follow recipes

Organizational skills

Education

Culinary Arts degree or equivalent

Tools

Baking equipment

Job description

Situated in Downtown’s Second Street District, Austin Proper Hotel and Residences is an iconic luxury destination just steps from Lady Bird Lake, ACL Live, and the city’s best shopping. With expressive interiors by Kelly Wearstler and culinary concepts by McGuire Moorman Lambert Hospitality, the hotel offers 238 design-forward rooms and suites, a rooftop pool, immersive wellness experiences, and menus built around local farms, vibrant produce, and nutrient-rich ingredients. Wellness, design, and culture, seamlessly woven into every stay.

Job Summary

The Pastry Cook is responsible for preparing and baking a variety of pastries, desserts, and baked goods in accordance with hotel or restaurant standards. You will work under the direction of the Pastry Chef or Head Chef to ensure that all pastries are prepared to the highest quality, presented beautifully, and delivered on time. The Pastry Cook will also assist in inventory management, ensuring proper storage of ingredients, and maintaining a clean and organized work area while adhering to health and safety regulations.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Pastry Preparation & Baking
  • Prepare, bake, and decorate a variety of pastries, desserts, and baked goods, including cakes, cookies, tarts, pies, breads, and other specialty items.
  • Follow recipes precisely, ensuring that all pastries meet quality and presentation standards.
  • Maintain consistency in the production of all baked goods, adjusting recipes or techniques when necessary to meet quality expectations.
  • Assist in creating new pastry menu items, experimenting with new flavors, textures, and presentation styles.
• Inventory & Ingredient Management
  • Assist with inventory control, ensuring that all ingredients are properly stocked and stored in accordance with safety guidelines.
  • Help order and receive pastry ingredients, ensuring that items are fresh, high-quality, and available for use.
  • Monitor ingredient usage to minimize waste and ensure proper stock rotation (FIFO – First In, First Out).
• Workstation Maintenance & Cleanliness
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work area, including proper cleaning of equipment, utensils, and surfaces after use.
  • Ensure all equipment is properly maintained and report any malfunctions to the Pastry Chef or management.
  • Follow all health and safety guidelines, including food storage, handling, and sanitation protocols to ensure a safe kitchen environment.
• Presentation & Quality Control
  • Ensure all pastries are beautifully presented and meet the hotel or restaurant’s visual standards.
  • Monitor the quality of finished products, ensuring that all baked goods meet taste, texture, and consistency requirements before being served.
  • Collaborate with other kitchen staff to ensure pastries are ready and presented on time for service.
• Work closely with the Pastry Chef and other team members to coordinate pastry production and support other sections of the kitchen as needed.
• Assist in the training and development of junior pastry staff, providing guidance on techniques, presentation, and safe practices.
• Communicate effectively with kitchen team members to ensure a smooth workflow and timely service.
• Health & Safety Compliance
  • Follow food safety and sanitation practices at all times, including the proper handling of ingredients, food storage, and cleaning procedures.
  • Ensure that all pastries are prepared in accordance with dietary restrictions, allergies, and health guidelines when necessary.
  • Adhere to local health and safety regulations, including temperature controls for perishables and safe equipment usage.

Education and/or Experience

• Culinary Arts degree or equivalent formal training with a focus on pastry preferred.
• Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in a pastry kitchen or similar baking environment.
• Experience working with a variety of pastry techniques, ingredients, and equipment.
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and safe food handling practices.

Skills/Specialized Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of pastry techniques, including mixing, proofing, baking, and decorating.
• Ability to follow recipes and adjust methods to ensure consistent product quality.
• Creativity and an eye for detail, particularly in the decoration and presentation of pastries and desserts.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure kitchen environment.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to maintain a clean and efficient workspace.

Physical Demands

• Ability to stand for long periods of time, including working over hot surfaces such as ovens and stoves.
• Ability to lift and carry heavy baking equipment or containers, up to 25–30 pounds.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks such as mixing, kneading, and decorating.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by the needs of the kitchen.

Proper Hospitality is an equal-opportunity employer. We provide employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, genetics, or any other federally or state-protected category.

We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in accordance with local Fair Chance Hiring Ordinances.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.