Executive Pastry Chef | Fine Dining | Santa Fe, NM
Executive Pastry Chef
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Position Type: Full-Time
Compensation:
- Base Salary: $110,000-$120,000 annually
- Relocation Assistance Provided for Qualified Candidates
Position Overview:
We are seeking an experienced and visionary Executive Pastry Chef to lead the pastry program for a highly respected fine dining restaurant group in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This role will oversee pastry operations for two distinct restaurant locations, driving creativity, consistency, and operational excellence across both concepts.
The ideal candidate is a passionate and organized culinary leader with a strong background in refined plated desserts, artisan baking, seasonal menu development, and high-level pastry production. This individual should thrive in a collaborative fine dining environment while maintaining exceptional standards of execution, mentorship, and hospitality.
Key Responsibilities:
Pastry Program Leadership
- Oversee all pastry and dessert operations across two fine dining locations
- Develop and execute seasonal dessert menus, breads, petits fours, and specialty pastry offerings
- Maintain consistency, presentation standards, and quality control across all outlets
- Collaborate closely with Executive Chefs and ownership on menu development and culinary direction
Team Leadership & Development
- Hire, train, mentor, and develop pastry team members across both properties
- Foster a positive, accountable, and growth-oriented kitchen culture
- Lead by example with hands-on participation during production and service
Operational Management
- Manage food cost, labor cost, purchasing, and inventory controls for the pastry department
- Develop and maintain standardized recipes, prep systems, and production schedules
- Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health department regulations
- Oversee ordering and vendor relationships for pastry ingredients and specialty products
Creative & Strategic Development
- Introduce innovative dessert concepts while respecting the identity and style of each restaurant
- Incorporate seasonal ingredients and modern techniques into the pastry program
- Contribute to private dining, tasting menus, special events, and holiday programming
Qualifications:
- 5+ years of experience as an Executive Pastry Chef or Senior Pastry Leader within fine dining or luxury hospitality
- Strong expertise in plated desserts, chocolate work, breads, viennoiserie, and modern pastry techniques
- Experience overseeing pastry operations for multiple outlets or locations preferred
- Proven leadership ability with strong organizational and communication skills
- Deep understanding of cost controls, inventory systems, and kitchen operations
- Passion for mentorship, creativity, and hospitality excellence
- Culinary or pastry degree preferred but not required
Compensation:
- Competitive salary up to $120,000 annually
- Relocation assistance for qualified candidates
- Opportunity to lead and shape a respected pastry program in one of the country’s most unique culinary destinations
- Growth potential within an established and expanding restaurant group
- Collaborative and chef-driven culture focused on creativity and excellence
About Santa Fe:
Santa Fe offers a unique blend of world-class art, culture, and culinary innovation, attracting both destination travelers and a passionate local dining community. Known for its vibrant food scene and inspiring landscape, Santa Fe provides an exceptional quality of life for hospitality professionals seeking both creativity and balance.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace for all employees. #AA