Pastry Chef | Fine Dining | Aspen
Pastry Chef | Fine Dining
Location: Aspen, CO
Salary: $75,000/yr + Bonus
Relocation Assistance: Yes
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly skilled, creative, and driven Pastry Chef to lead a dynamic pastry program within a refined, high-end dining environment. This role is an integral part of the culinary leadership team and offers the opportunity to shape a thoughtful, seasonally driven dessert program that enhances the overall guest experience.
The ideal candidate brings a balance of technical expertise, artistic vision, and operational excellence, with a passion for innovation, detail, and delivering memorable final impressions through pastry.
Key Responsibilities
Pastry Production & Execution
- Oversee daily production of all pastry items including plated desserts, breads, viennoiserie, and confections
- Ensure consistent execution, quality, and organization across service and private events
- Maintain the highest standards of product integrity and presentation
Menu Development & Innovation
- Design and execute seasonal dessert menus aligned with the overall culinary vision
- Develop visually compelling, modern desserts that balance flavor, texture, and presentation
- Continuously evolve offerings based on seasonality, trends, and guest feedback
Technique & Program Development
- Implement and refine advanced pastry techniques across the program
- Introduce new methods, ingredients, and concepts to elevate the pastry offering
Ingredient & Inventory Management
- Source and manage high-quality ingredients with a focus on seasonality
- Oversee ordering, inventory control, and product rotation to ensure freshness and cost efficiency
Quality Control & Presentation
- Uphold standards for taste, consistency, and visual presentation
- Oversee plating, finishing, and execution across all dessert offerings
Team Leadership & Development
- Train, mentor, and develop pastry team members
- Establish production systems, workflows, and operational standards
- Support hiring, onboarding, and performance management
Event & Service Support
- Collaborate on custom dessert offerings for private dining and special events
- Participate in tastings and chef-driven experiences
Guest Experience
- Contribute to a thoughtful and elevated guest experience through dessert execution
- Engage with guests when appropriate to enhance hospitality
Food Safety & Compliance
- Maintain strict adherence to all health, safety, and sanitation standards
- Ensure a clean, organized, and compliant pastry department
Collaboration
- Partner closely with the Executive Chef on menu alignment and program development
- Participate in tastings, planning sessions, and broader culinary initiatives
Qualifications
- Strong foundation in classical pastry techniques with advanced skills in modern methods (chocolate, sugar work, laminated doughs, plated desserts)
- Proven experience in a high-end or fine dining environment
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to build and develop teams
- Solid understanding of kitchen operations, systems, and workflow management
- High level of organization, attention to detail, and execution
- Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards
- Ability to perform in a fast-paced, high-performance kitchen environment
- Passion for hospitality and creating memorable guest experiences
Work Environment & Requirements
- Ability to stand for extended periods (10–12 hours per shift)
- Ability to lift and carry standard kitchen equipment and ingredients
- Full availability including evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak seasonal periods
Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary: $75,000 annually
- Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Paid Time Off: Includes sick time and seasonal time off
- Retirement: 401(k) with employer match
- Additional Perks: Employee housing (based on eligibility), relocation assistance, ski pass, transportation support, and ongoing training opportunities
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any protected status. #AA