Daniel Humm’s new restaurant in the West Village is seeking a Pastry Chef to lead and shape the pastry program for an exciting new culinary concept. This is a rare opportunity to collaborate directly with Chef Daniel Humm and the culinary leadership team to create a pastry program that reflects precision, creativity, and a deep respect for ingredients.
The Pastry Chef will be responsible not only for exceptional pastries, but for building systems, leading a team, and establishing a culture of excellence from day one.
Position Expectations
The Pastry Chef is expected to:
- Set the creative direction and long-term vision for the pastry program
- Operate with the highest standards of refinement, consistency, and attention to detail
- Maintain strong financial awareness, including food cost management, labor oversight, and purchasing strategy
- Be present and engaged during shifts, ensuring seamless execution and quality control
- Develop a structured training program to elevate skill level and technique within the pastry team
- Communicate clearly and proactively with ownership and culinary leadership
- Continuously evolve the menu to reflect seasonality, innovation, and guest feedback
Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Culinary Leadership & Menu Development
- Develop and execute innovative dessert and pastry offerings that complement restaurants evolving culinary vision
- Collaborate closely with the Executive Chef and culinary leadership team on menu development and seasonal concepts
- Conduct regular R&D to introduce new techniques, ingredients, and presentations
- Ensure all recipes are documented, tested, and consistently executed
Operational Excellence
- Establish and maintain production schedules to ensure efficiency and readiness for service
- Oversee ordering, inventory management, and waste reduction
- Maintain strong cost controls and meet established food cost targets
- Ensure proper food handling, storage, and sanitation in compliance with federal, state, local, and company regulations
- Maintain a clean, organized, and highly functional pastry kitchen
Team Leadership & Development
- Hire, train, mentor, and manage a high-performing pastry team
- Conduct performance reviews and provide consistent feedback and coaching
- Create clear station responsibilities and accountability standards
- Foster a culture of collaboration, discipline, and pride in craftsmanship
- Develop internal talent and succession planning within the pastry department
Service & Guest Experience
- Oversee dessert execution during service to ensure timing, presentation, and consistency
- Collaborate with front-of-house leadership to ensure pastry offerings are well communicated and represented
- Contribute to special events, media opportunities, and guest experiences as needed
Desired Qualifications
- 3-6 years of progressive management experience in a reputable upscale or fine dining restaurant
- Strong understanding of all aspects of a top-tier pastry department operation
- Proven experience developing seasonal and tasting menu desserts
- Demonstrated ability to build and lead a team in a high-expectation environment
- Passion for creativity, flavor development, and thoughtful use of ingredients
- Energetic, enthusiastic, and collaborative leadership style
- Excellent communication and organizational skills
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, detail-oriented setting
What We Offer
- The opportunity to build and define the pastry program for a highly anticipated new concept
- Direct collaboration with an acclaimed culinary leader
- A culture committed to excellence, innovation, and growth
- Competitive compensation and advancement potential
If you are a visionary pastry leader ready to create something exceptional from the ground up, we invite you to apply and join this exciting new chapter in the West Village.
