La Maison K is looking to hire a dedicated and enthusiastic full-time experienced Pastry Chef to join our amazing team! As a critical team member of La Maison K, the experienced Pastry Chef operates under the direct guidance of the Head Pastry Chef. In this role, you will play a very important role to ensure amazing customer experiences and the smooth operation of our fast-paced operation. You will also have the chance to work in one of Kanata’s busiest bakeries and to oversee and contribute to the production and development of our amazing French pastries, cakes, artisan desserts, creperie, pre-cooked meals and catering businesses. You won’t get this kind of experience anywhere else!
This role requires strong leadership, organizational skills, and a passion for baking. Beyond crafting pastries, cakes, desserts, tarts and various other treats, your responsibilities include tasks such as monitoring inventory and supplies, upholding a safe and hygienic work environment, ensuring a clean kitchen, completing routine tasks on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, contributing to the development of recipes and menus, and suggesting alternative baking techniques.
Who you are matters:
While previous experience of at least 5 years as a pastry chef or similar role is critical, the most important thing to us is who you are! We are looking for someone who:
- Understands how to create an exceptional customer service experience
- Is client focused and has efficient interpersonal skills
- Is fluent in both English and French (preferred)
- Is trustworthy and comfortable with responsibilities like cash-handling and store safety
- Is warm, kind, helpful and a great teammate and appreciates the chance to collaborate
- Is self-sufficient, highly self-motivated and can work independently with minimal supervision
- Will remain cool, calm and collected in a fast-paced environment
- Is always willing to learn and grow
- Understands that service is not a transaction, it’s about connection with customers
- Understands that a smile can make all the difference in someone’s da
Duties
- Prepare and bake a variety of pastries, cakes, and desserts according to established recipes. Ability to contribute new recipes based on experience is an asset.
- Decorate cakes and pastries with artistic creativity, ensuring presentation meets La Maison K’s standards.
- Assist in the overall food preparation process, including measuring ingredients and preparing recipes.
- Operate baking equipment such as ovens and mixers.
- Maintain cleanliness and organization of the kitchen area, adhering to food safety standards.
- Package baked goods for sale, ensuring freshness and quality.
- Collaborate with other kitchen team members to ensure efficient workflow during busy periods.
- Provide excellent customer service by engaging with guests when necessary, sharing knowledge about pastry offerings.
- Ensure the highest quality standards and maintain product consistency.
- Adhere to all standard operating and food safety procedures.
- Assist front-of-house operations when needed.
- Support product transfer to the front of house, including refilling showcases and shelves under the guidance of the Head Pastry Chef.
- Maintain clear communication with front-of-house staff to support product preparation and service flow.
- Report customer feedback or complaints to the Head Pastry Chef.
- Identify and report product quality issues, inventory shortages, and assist in maintaining a purchasing list.
- Ensure efficient, friendly, and professional service.
- Assist with and organize ingredient deliveries and between delivery areas, dry storage, kitchen, and walk-in fridge/freezer, and replenish shelves and ingredient bins as needed.
- Maintain cleanliness of the kitchen, storage areas, walk-in fridge/freezer, mixers, ovens, and all equipment; wash dishes and dispose of waste according to the cleaning schedule
- Assist with weekly inventory counts under supervisor guidance.
- Report safety hazards, incidents, or operational issues to the Head Pastry Chef or supervisor on duty.
Qualifications:
- Proven experience as a pastry chef or in a similar role within the food industry for at least 5 years.
- Strong knowledge of baking techniques, recipes, mixes, and food safety standards.
- Excellent leadership and team management skills.
- Strong organizational and time management abilities.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and handle stress effectively.
- Flexibility to work early mornings, night shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed.
- Ability to maintain a positive and professional attitude and to take direction as needed to achieve bakery needs.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to stand, walk, talk, and hear for extended periods.
- Frequent use of hands for handling tools, equipment, and ingredients.
- Ability to lift and/or move items up to 40 lbs.
- Experience and comfort with handling food, hot items, and operating bakery equipment such as mixers and ovens.
Education:
- A degree in Culinary Arts, Business Management, or a related field is preferred.
- Certification in food safety.
Experience
- Previous experience of 5+ years as a Pastry Chef, or in a similar role within the food industry is required.
- Strong baking skills with knowledge of various pastry techniques and cake decorating.
- Familiarity with food safety practices and kitchen hygiene standards.
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment while maintaining high-quality standards.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work well as part of a team.
- Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience.
- A passion for culinary arts and a desire to continuously learn and improve skills in the kitchen.
What we offer:
- Between 32-45+ hours weekly
- Pay range from $20.00-$27.00 per hour (depending on level of experience)
- Discounted food costs during your shift and employee discounts
- Safe, respectful, supportive and inclusive workplace
About us:
La Maison du Kouign-Amman (La Maison K) is a unique artisanal French bakery, café, creperie and frozen-cooked ready meal provider in Kanata, Ontario. We are a hard-working and enthusiastic bunch looking to add a team member that can contribute in a positive manner to help us serve our wonderful customers and community. At La Maison K, we strive to be much more than a local bakery – we exist to anticipate, meet and exceed the needs of our customers by delivering exceptional products and amazing customer experiences.
La Maison K is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace for all. We provide fair, equitable, and accessible opportunities for all employees and applicants. We value team members with diverse backgrounds and experiences, as we believe it makes our company a better place to work and for our customers to experience. Thank you for considering employment with La Maison K!
Pay: $20.00-$27.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
