Head Pastry Chef

About this position

Lead the kitchen that makes Chicago's sweetest moments. For over 19 years, Sugar Bliss has been a premium Chicago bakery and catering company, spreading bliss through handcrafted cupcakes, cake pops, cookies, brownies, macarons, and more. Now we're looking for a Head Pastry Chef to lead our talented team. You'll plan the daily rhythm of our kitchen, own the production, quality, and presentation of every treat, and manage inventory, purchasing, and cost control. If you love craftsmanship, community, and making people smile, we'd love to meet you.

• Lead with heart as an active member of the management team
• Plan, organize, and delegate so the kitchen hits its goals every day
• Seek new challenges and smarter ways to boost production and team efficiency
• Interview candidates and evaluate stages for new hires
• Train and support new team members until they meet Sugar Bliss standards
• Manage staffing levels through each shift and help cover shifts when needed, including weekends

• Deliver a blissful customer experience by keeping every product consistent in taste, quality, and appearance
• Follow all recipes and procedures, and guide the team to make every product to company standards
• Build and delegate the daily prep list so the front of house stays well stocked all day, factoring in pre-orders, weather, holidays, and day of the week
  • Review and adjust the par sheet monthly
• Make sure catering and special orders are accurate and on time
• Help control food cost through recipe accuracy and waste reduction
• Partner on recipe testing and menu development
• Serve as the go-to person for front of house and customer questions

• Keep all kitchen areas, equipment, and storage rooms clean and up to sanitation standards
  • Create and monitor daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning schedules
• Set the example for quality and efficiency
• Uphold the Sugar Bliss code of conduct, including breaks, phone use, and dress code

• Manage inventory for all food and non-food ingredients, and build and place orders with each vendor
• Maintain storage inventory levels and place all seasonal ingredient orders by the 15th of each month
• Receive deliveries, verifying invoices and product freshness

• 5+ years in professional pastry or bakery production, including 2+ years leading a team
• Experience scaling recipes for high-volume and custom orders
• Working knowledge of food costing, inventory, and scheduling
• ServSafe Manager certification (or ability to obtain within 30 days)
• A calm, positive leadership style and a genuine love of teaching
• Flexibility for early mornings, weekends, and holiday seasons
• Ability to stand for long periods and lift to 50 lbs

Bonus points: culinary or pastry school training, allergen-friendly baking experience, and a passion for community and sustainability.

Send your resume, a cover letter about why Sugar Bliss to teresa@sugarblisscakes.com.

Location and commute

Chicago, IL .

Plan your route with Google Maps. Travel times and transportation options vary; confirm the work location with the employer before commuting.

How to apply

Review the vacancy and complete the application on the employer or recruitment partner’s website. Requisition ID: WJ-3242863434.