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Assistant Pastry Chef | Three Leaf Catering

Job Overview

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Employment Type

Full-time
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Compensation

Salary
Exact $55,000.00
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Work Schedule

Flexible
Weekend Shifts
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Paid Time Off
Retirement Plan
Tuition Assistance
Employee wellness programs
Professional development opportunities

Job Description

The University of Notre Dame is a prestigious and mission-driven institution renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, research innovation, and fostering a vibrant community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted deeply in a tradition of Catholic character, the University is dedicated to nurturing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—creating an environment that prioritizes well-being, inclusivity, and professional growth. Employees at Notre Dame are part of a dynamic culture that not only strives for excellence in education and research but also emphasizes the importance of community service, ethical leadership, and making a meaningful impact locally and globally. Whether working in academics, administration, or campus support services, staff members are empowered to contribute in ways that align with the University’s mission and values. At Notre Dame, your role matters, offering a sense of belonging and the opportunity to develop your career in a supportive, inspirational setting.

Within this esteemed university community, the position of Assistant Pastry Chef is a critical culinary leadership role housed within Three Leaf Catering, Notre Dame’s premier catering service. This department delivers exceptional food and hospitality experiences across a wide range of university events, from intimate private gatherings and student functions to large-scale banquets and official university celebrations. Three Leaf Catering is committed to excellence, community connection, sustainability, and culinary innovation that reflects the spirit and tradition of Notre Dame.

As the Assistant Pastry Chef, you serve as the primary lieutenant to the Executive Pastry Chef, balancing hands-on pastry production with administrative and leadership responsibilities. This role demands not only advanced pastry skills but also the ability to manage daily production, oversee quality control, innovate menu offerings, and maintain rigorous food safety standards. You are also responsible for mentoring and training the pastry team, fostering a cooperative and high-performance culture within the kitchen, and ensuring the seamless and artistic presentation of all dessert items served. The role calls for adaptability in a fast-paced environment, a passion for culinary creativity, and a commitment to operational efficiency.

This full-time position offers a salary of $55,000 per year, commensurate with experience. The University of Notre Dame values excellence, diversity, and inclusivity in its workforce and strongly encourages applications from candidates aligned with its Catholic identity. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, Notre Dame is committed to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age.

Joining Three Leaf Catering as the Assistant Pastry Chef means becoming part of a dedicated team passionate about crafting memorable culinary experiences that highlight Notre Dame’s values and hospitality. The position requires strong leadership skills, operational savvy, culinary expertise, and a dedication to mentoring others. If you are motivated to contribute to a service-focused, innovative, and impactful catering operation within a leading university environment, this role offers an exciting career opportunity with meaningful rewards.

Job Requirements

  • Education in culinary arts or equivalent experience
  • Proven pastry chef experience preferably in large-scale or institutional catering
  • Ability to stand for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs
  • Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as required
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills
  • Knowledge of food safety and sanitation regulations

Job Qualifications

  • Advanced knowledge of pastry techniques, baking science, and dessert plating
  • Proven experience in inventory control, ordering systems, and health department compliance
  • Proficiency in maintaining recipe databases, production schedules, and cost-control measures
  • The ability to remain calm and reorganize priorities in a fast-paced, anytime change environment
  • A passion for training staff and identifying growth opportunities for junior team members
  • Strong interpersonal skills for both internal team management and professional guest interaction

Job Duties

  • Manage daily pastry preparation and presentation activities to ensure optimum quality and consistency
  • Assist in developing new seasonal menus, testing recipes, and creating detailed plating guides and recipe cards
  • Set daily priorities for the team and pivot assignments in real-time to meet fluctuating business demands
  • Oversee buffet setups and special menu plate ups, occasionally interacting with guests to ensure a premier dining experience
  • Foster a cooperative work environment by directing training sessions and conducting regular performance appraisals
  • Ensure all staff members adhere to grooming and uniform standards
  • Collaborate with and assist other departments as needed based on business volume and operational necessity
  • Lead the ordering, stocking, and rotation (FIFO) of products in coolers, freezers, and dry storage
  • Assist in writing and updating production schedules and labor logs according to Chef’s standards
  • Ensure the kitchen and all equipment are cleaned and organized
  • immediately report any malfunctioning equipment or safety hazards
  • Maintain strict adherence to health and safety regulations and conduct regular inventory counts

Job Criteria

Experience

Mid Level (3-7 years)


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