Executive Pastry Chef

The University of North Texas (UNT) System is a prominent public university system based in the vibrant Dallas-Fort Worth area, including campuses and facilities in Denton, Frisco, Dallas, and Fort Worth. As an educational leader, UNT employs over 14,000 professionals and serves a diverse student body exceeding 49,000 students, awarding nearly 12,000 degrees annually. The system prides itself on fostering a community rooted in excellence, innovation, integrity, and inclusion, promoting an environment where curiosity and respect for all individuals thrive. UNT’s commitment to transformative education and economic opportunity has established it as a cornerstone institution in North Texas with a progressive vision and a people-focused culture.

Within this dynamic system, UNT Dining Services stands out as the largest self-supported food service department in North Texas, renowned for its innovative approach to campus dining. It operates a comprehensive food service network including five dining halls, over 20 retail dining locations, a scratch bakery, an upscale restaurant, a hydroponic garden, and full-service catering. The department’s dedication to quality and culinary creativity has earned national recognition, including a No. 2 nationwide ranking for best college food by Delish.com and several prestigious awards. UNT Dining Services champions sustainability and healthy eating, being home to initiatives like Mean Greens Café—the first 100% vegan collegiate dining hall in the U.S.—and Kitchen West, Texas’ only university dining hall free from major allergens. The department is also deeply involved in cutting-edge research related to plant-forward diets and sustainable food practices.

The Executive Pastry Chef position at UNT is a crucial leadership role within UNT Dining-Residential. This full-time role is classified as an Executive Chef position with a salary commensurate with experience and eligibility for retirement system benefits. The Executive Pastry Chef serves as the Master Baker responsible for advancing UNT’s mission through superior bakery operations that support catering, retail, and cafeteria services. This position demands a highly skilled culinary professional dedicated to ensuring that the campus consistently offers exceptional baked goods by employing advanced preparation techniques and leveraging production automation.

The Executive Pastry Chef will lead high-volume production schedules and oversee upscale catering events with precision and creativity, ensuring all baked goods meet quality standards across all UNT dining outlets. The chef will collaborate closely with directors of operations and catering to tailor baked goods to client and event needs while maintaining rigorous standards for presentation and taste. The role involves managing inventory and costing meticulously, standardizing recipes and processes, training and mentoring culinary staff, and continuously innovating product offerings including limited-time goods. Adaptability and independent problem-solving skills are essential, as the Executive Pastry Chef frequently diagnoses production issues and implements corrective actions to maintain seamless operations.

Success in this role requires expertise in scratch baking, leadership experience in a high-volume bakery, and a passion for culinary innovation. With responsibilities spanning product development, food safety compliance, team leadership, and project coordination, the Executive Pastry Chef is integral in upholding UNT’s reputation for outstanding food quality and sustainability. This position is security sensitive and involves variable working hours, including early morning shifts, and occasional driving of university vehicles. The University of North Texas System fosters an equitable work environment committed to diversity and inclusion, making this an exciting opportunity for a seasoned pastry professional eager to contribute to a leading academic institution’s vibrant culinary scene.