River Oaks Country Club seeks an accomplished Executive Pastry Chef to build upon the elevated delivery of our pastry, baking, and confectionary program. Reporting to the Executive Chef, the Executive Pastry Chef serves as the strategic and creative leader for all pastry operations across the Club, including a la carte dining, banquet functions, member events, holiday programming, weddings, specialty experiences, and other offerings.
This executive-level position is responsible for establishing the vision, standards, innovation, financial performance, and long-term success of the pastry department while developing a culture of excellence and accountability. The Executive Pastry Chef will lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing pastry team committed to delivering exceptional culinary experiences worthy of one of the nation's premier private clubs.
Essential Duties & ResponsibilitiesLeadership & Team Development- Direct all pastry and bakery operations throughout the Club
- Recruit, mentor, develop, and retain a highly skilled pastry team, including Sous Chefs, Bakers, Pastry Cooks, and support staff
- Establish departmental goals, performance expectations, training plans, and succession strategies
- Foster a culture of creativity, collaboration, professionalism, and continuous improvement
- Evaluate team performance and provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and professional development
Culinary Leadership- Establish the overall vision and direction for the Club's pastry and baking program
- Design and execute innovative seasonal dessert menus, specialty offerings, artisan breads, confections, celebration cakes, and signature member experiences
- Continuously evaluate culinary trends, techniques, and ingredients to ensure the Club remains at the forefront of pastry excellence
- Maintain uncompromising standards for presentation, consistency, flavor, and execution across all outlets and events
- Lead pastry production for major Club events, holidays, wine dinners, member experiences, and other high-profile functions
Financial & Operational Management- Prepare and manage annual pastry department operating and capital budgets
- Monitor and control food cost, labor cost, inventory levels, and departmental expenditures
- Develop purchasing strategies, negotiate with vendors, and oversee sourcing of premium ingredients and specialty products
- Analyze operational performance and implement initiatives that improve efficiency while maintaining exceptional quality
- Ensure proper forecasting and production planning to maximize resources and minimize waste
Member Experience & Club Engagement- Partner with Club leadership to create memorable and distinctive culinary experiences for members and guests
- Engage directly with members to understand preferences and exceed expectations
- Support Club-wide dining initiatives, special events, and strategic programming
- Represent the pastry department in a professional manner consistent with the Club's values and standards
Compliance & Standards- Ensure compliance with all health, sanitation, food safety, and workplace safety regulations
- Establish and maintain departmental policies, procedures, recipes, and quality standards
- Serve as the subject matter expert for all pastry and baking operations throughout the Club
Qualifications- Minimum 10 years of progressive pastry leadership experience, including significant management responsibility
- Proven experience leading and developing culinary teams in luxury hospitality environments
- Experience in a private club, luxury hotel, fine dining restaurant, resort, or similarly distinguished operation preferred
- Demonstrated expertise in classical and contemporary pastry arts, artisan baking, chocolate work, sugar work, plated desserts, and specialty confections
- Strong business acumen with experience managing budgets, labor, purchasing, and inventory
- Proven ability to develop talent and build high-performing teams
- Culinary or Pastry Arts degree preferred
- Certified Executive Pastry Chef (CEPC) or equivalent certification preferred
Personal Characteristics- Visionary culinary leader with a passion for innovation and excellence
- Highly collaborative and capable of building strong relationships across departments
- Leads by example with integrity, professionalism, and accountability
- Strong mentor who enjoys developing future pastry professionals
- Exceptional organizational, communication, and decision-making skills
- Member-focused with a commitment to delivering extraordinary experiences
- Composed and effective in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment
The Club and Our Benefits: We offer excellent benefits for full-time positions including Medical, Dental, Vision; 401(k) Matching & Safe Harbor Contributions; Group/Voluntary Life Insurance; Paid Time Off; Short- and Long-Term Disability; Annual Christmas Bonus*; Employee Meals*; Complimentary Parking*; Employee Scholarship Program*. (*benefits available to all current employees)
Disclaimer: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
