Pastry Sous Chef

Join Chef Thomas Keller's renowned New York destination, Per Se, as a Pastry Sous Chef. This role is integral to our pastry team, where you will play a critical part in maintaining and elevating our culinary excellence. Per Se, a three-Michelin starred restaurant, is Chef Keller's New York interpretation of The French Laundry, offering a nightly-changing Chef's Tasting menu that showcases American cuisine with French influences.

At Per Se, we believe that working in our kitchen is both a challenge and a privilege. The ideal candidate for this role will appreciate the structured framework while embracing the opportunity to contribute creatively. If you are someone who thrives on maintaining high standards and delights in culinary creativity, we invite you to join our team and be part of a truly exceptional dining experience.

Responsibilities:

• Team Management: Oversee both the production and service teams within the pastry department, ensuring seamless operation and coordination. As a leader in Pastry, you will be leading a dynamic team, ensuring the highest standards of performance.
• Adaptability: Handle a variety of tasks, always adhering to the high standards of Per Se. From crafting last minute delights for large events to preparing intricate desserts and presentations for service, you must be ready to respond to the kitchen's dynamic needs.
• Leadership and Learning: Lead by example while being open to continuous learning. Foster a structured environment where systems are crucial yet provide the flexibility for creative input and menu changes. Embrace the Per Se way of doing everything, from crafting bonbons to maintaining a spotless station.
• Quality Assurance: Maintain the highest standards in cleanliness, organization, and technical execution, ensuring every product meets Per Se's exacting standards.
• Administrative Duties: Complete performance counseling paperwork, manage ordering, and oversee inventory responsibilities.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years in a high-standards, ideally Michelin culinary environment, preferably within a Michelin-starred restaurant.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational prowess, and excellent cleanliness standards. Must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead a team and be a player as well, work collaboratively, and adapt to a dynamic, high-demand environment. Your leadership will be key in maintaining the structured yet flexible environment at Per Se.
• A deep desire for achieving culinary excellence and enthusiasm for food, beverage, and hospitality, with a particular focus on pastry. You should delight in the opportunity to work with top-tier equipment, ingredients and talented and passionate professionals.
• Ability to adapt to changing demands and priorities, maintaining composure and effectiveness under pressure. From sudden requests to nightly service requirements, the candidate must be prepared for a variety of demands and enjoy the challenge of it.

Chef Keller’s collection of restaurants are founded on a culture of mentorship and provide a solid foundation of skills to support the culinary profession. We are proud to offer:  

• 401K with no waiting periods and the opportunity to receive up to 4.0% of your earnings as matching contributions
• Competitive health insurance options, with employer contributions toward your premium based on the plan you choose*
• Voluntary plans such as vision, life and AD&D insurance, accident, hospitalization, critical illness plans, pet insurance and long-term disability insurance.
• Opportunities for growth and advancement
• Daily family meal
• Scholarship programs
• Peer mentorship program
• Employee discounts at Chef Thomas Keller’s casual properties

Who we are: 

Chef Thomas Keller raises the bar for the American culinary scene. His restaurants are legendary – The French Laundry, Bouchon, and Per Se among them – and he is the only American-born chef to ever hold multiple three-star Michelin rankings. Chef Keller’s culinary skills and high standards make him an inspiration to younger chefs and have earned him countless accolades, including The Culinary Institute of America’s “Chef of the Year” Award and the James Beard Foundation’s “Outstanding Chef” and “Outstanding Restaurateur” Awards. He is also the first male American chef to be designated a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor. In 2017, Chef Keller led Team USA to its first-ever gold medal in the Bocuse d’Or, a prestigious biannual competition that is regarded as the Olympics of the culinary world. Chef Keller is the author of six best-selling cookbooks and holds an honorary Doctorate in Culinary Arts from The Culinary Institute of America. 

Looking for other opportunities with our group? Check out open positions on: ThomasKeller.com/careers 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics. 
 
*Company contribution depends on your plan selection. Benefit offerings are subject to change over time.