Mastering the Art of Pastry: Secrets of a Skilled Chef
Pastry Chef Opportunity at Sqirl – Los Angeles, CA
Location: Sqirl, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Job Type: Full-time
Salary: $70,000–$82,000 per year
Experience Required: Minimum 2 years as a pastry chef
Education Required: No degree mentioned
Application Methods: Apply directly via Indeed, Culinary Agents, WhatJobs, or Los Angeles – Americanlisted Classifieds
Job Overview
After four years, a rare and exciting opportunity has opened for a Pastry Chef to join the team at Sqirl in Los Angeles. This role is ideal for an innovative and passionate professional who is eager to be a creative force in the pastry world. The selected candidate will play a pivotal role as the restaurant expands into dinner service, ensuring the highest level of quality and artistry in both classic morning pastries and newly developed dessert offerings.
The Pastry Chef will be responsible for the evolution and execution of our pastry program, maintaining the excellence of our AM classics while also developing and refining a unique dessert menu for dinner service. This position requires a blend of technical expertise, artistic vision, and strong leadership skills to guide and mentor a team of pastry cooks.
Qualifications and Skills Required
To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the following qualifications:
- Experience in a high-volume bakery or pastry kitchen, demonstrating a solid understanding of baking principles and techniques.
- Expertise in lamination and the ability to produce exceptional laminated dough products.
- Proficiency in cake decoration, including aesthetic design and finishing techniques.
- Experience in the development of desserts, including concept creation and execution.
- Bread-making experience is considered a significant advantage.
- Minimum of 2 years of experience as a Pastry Chef in a professional setting.
- A passion for baking and pastry, with a deep curiosity and drive to expand knowledge and skills.
- Leadership and mentorship abilities to oversee, train, and inspire a dedicated pastry team.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, ensuring efficiency and consistency in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, fostering collaboration with both the pastry and savory teams.
- Ability to work directly with ownership and management to address challenges and implement improvements.
- Flexibility in scheduling, including early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
- Physical capability to stand for long periods and lift/carry up to 50 lbs.
- California Food Handler Certification or Manager Certification is required.
Key Responsibilities
The Pastry Chef will take on a variety of responsibilities that ensure the growth and innovation of Sqirl’s pastry program, including:
- Spearheading the development of new and exciting dessert options for dinner service.
- Maintaining quality control and continuing the excellence of morning pastry offerings.
- Leading and mentoring a team of kind and passionate pastry cooks, fostering a positive and professional work environment.
- Collaborating with the savory team to ensure dessert offerings complement the overall menu.
- Experimenting with new ingredients and techniques to push creative boundaries.
- Overseeing daily production and ensuring that all pastries and desserts meet the highest standards of quality and presentation.
- Managing inventory, ordering ingredients, and overseeing cost control measures.
- Communicating effectively with the restaurant’s owners, managers, and other team members to align on creative vision and operational needs.
- Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations, maintaining a clean and organized pastry kitchen.
- Adapting to changing menu needs and dynamically evolving the pastry program to meet customer expectations and seasonal availability.
Why Join Us?
Sqirl is a well-respected culinary establishment known for its commitment to creativity, quality, and hospitality. As part of our team, the Pastry Chef will have the opportunity to:
- Own the development of the dessert menu for dinner service, shaping the future of our pastry program.
- Innovate and evolve our AM pastry selection while maintaining its renowned quality.
- Work alongside a professional and seasoned savory team, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and growth.
- Lead and mentor the next generation of skilled pastry chefs in a supportive environment.
- Grow as a leader and recognized voice in the culinary industry, gaining exposure and credibility within the food world.
- Enjoy competitive compensation and benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, paid time off, and potential yearly bonuses.
Compensation and Benefits
Sqirl offers a competitive salary ranging from $70,000 to $82,000 per year, along with an attractive benefits package, including:
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Potential yearly bonuses
- Dining discounts
About Sqirl
Sqirl is a dynamic and forward-thinking restaurant in Los Angeles, celebrated for its dedication to locally sourced ingredients, innovative recipes, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Our team consists of diverse, passionate professionals who share a deep love for culinary creativity and genuine hospitality.
We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that values diversity. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, age, or any other protected status.
How to Apply
If you’re an experienced pastry chef looking for a creative, leadership-driven opportunity, we encourage you to apply today! Applications can be submitted through:
- Indeed
- Culinary Agents
- WhatJobs
- Los Angeles – Americanlisted Classifieds
Join us at Sqirl and help shape the future of our renowned pastry program!