Pastry Sous Chef

Compass Group USA; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Benefit Package

Job summary

Union Square Events in New York is seeking a Pastry Sous Chef to join our Commissary team, leading high-volume pastry production and supporting culinary operations across our business. This role blends hands-on pastry work with team leadership, operational excellence, and administrative responsibilities.

As part of the culinary leadership team, you will coach staff, maintain quality standards, manage labor, and contribute to continuous improvement while upholding safety and sanitation.

Qualifications

• Experience in high‑volume pastry production.
• Experience leading culinary teams up to 20 associates.
• Ability to balance hands-on duties with leadership and administrative tasks.
• Knowledge of food cost management and inventory control.
• ServSafe Certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily pastry production in a high-volume commissary.
• Lead and coach pastry team.
• Coordinate labor and workflow for efficiency.
• Support catering and event production.
• Ensure safety, sanitation and quality standards.

Skills

Pastry production leadership

Team leadership

Operations coordination

Food safety

Communication skills

Education

Culinary degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Select how often (in days) to receive an alert:

Other Forms of Compensation: Comprehensive Benefit Package

Founded in 2005 as Hudson Yards Catering, Union Square Events is a culinary and operations leader in the hospitality industry, partnering with a diverse portfolio of best-in-class clients. We produce one-of-a-kind catered events and unparalleled dining experiences in a variety of cultural, corporate, entertainment, and private venues throughout New York City and beyond.

Job Summary

Union Square Events is seeking a Pastry Sous Chef to join our Commissary team and help lead high-volume pastry production that supports exceptional culinary experiences across our business. This role combines hands-on pastry production with team leadership, operational excellence, and administrative responsibilities.

As a key member of the culinary leadership team, you will work closely with the Executive Chef and culinary managers to support daily operations, coach and develop team members, maintain quality standards, and contribute to a positive, inclusive kitchen culture. If you enjoy mentoring others, creating high-quality products at scale, and finding innovative ways to improve operations, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Do

• Partner with the Executive Chef and culinary leadership team to oversee daily pastry production in a high-volume commissary environment.
• Actively participate in production while ensuring consistency, quality, and presentation standards are met.
• Help coordinate labor and workflow to support efficiency and operational goals.
• Support the execution of catering and special event production.
• Contribute ideas for new menu offerings, seasonal items, and culinary programs.
• Lead, coach, and support a team of pastry professionals and hourly associates.
• Foster an environment where team members feel respected, included, and empowered to grow.
• Assist with training, scheduling, performance coaching, and daily communication.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Support food cost management, waste reduction initiatives, and inventory controls.
• Assist with purchasing, product ordering, and maintaining appropriate inventory levels.
• Monitor production processes to help ensure labor and food costs remain aligned with operational objectives.
• Uphold food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards.

What We're Looking For

• Experience in high-volume pastry production or bakery operations.
• Experience leading or supervising culinary teams, including teams of up to 20 associates.
• Ability to balance hands-on production responsibilities with people leadership and administrative tasks.
• Knowledge of food cost management, waste reduction, inventory control, and purchasing practices.
• Experience supporting catering operations or large-scale event production is a plus.
• Familiarity with batch production and commissary kitchen environments is helpful.
• Culinary degree, Associate degree, or equivalent combination of education and practical experience.
• Understanding of pastry techniques, quality standards, and production planning.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Comfort using Microsoft Office applications, Outlook, email, and internet-based systems.
• Commitment to food safety and sanitation best practices.
• ServSafe Certification is preferred.
• Open availability to support business needs.

Union Square Events is a member of Compass Group USA

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with a criminal history (including relevant driving history), in a manner consistent with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York Fair Chance Act.

Associates at Union Square Events are offered many fantastic benefits.

• Medical
• Vision
• Life Insurance/ AD
• Disability Insurance
• Retirement Plan
• Paid Time Off
• Holiday Time Off (varies by site/state)
• Personal Leave
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely.

Applications are accepted on anongoing basis.

Union Square Events maintains a drug-free workplace.