Pastry Chef - The Ritz-Carlton - Full-time

The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago is a luxury hotel located in the historic Gold Coast neighborhood, perched above Water Tower Place. Renowned for its iconic architecture, dynamic culinary scene, beautifully landscaped public spaces, and proximity to world-class museums, the hotel offers an exceptional experience reflective of Chicago's vibrant culture. Guests can indulge in a variety of activities including shopping along Michigan Avenue and visiting the Art Institute of Chicago, making the location both convenient and culturally rich. The Ritz-Carlton brand is globally recognized as the gold standard of hospitality, known for its dedication to personalized service, attention to detail, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

The hotel’s culinary offerings are distinguished by artistry, flavor, and presentation, especially in their dessert courses which leave lasting impressions on guests. The Pastry Chef plays a vital role in this gastronomic experience by bringing creativity and precision to every detail. This position involves crafting elegant plated desserts, intricate banquet displays, breakfast pastries, and specialty confections that not only delight the palate but also visually impress. The Pastry Chef balances innovation with consistency, ensuring every item adheres to the highest standards of taste, texture, and appearance.

In this role, the Pastry Chef will manage the pastry kitchen staff and oversee the daily production, preparation, and presentation of all pastry items served across the hotel's restaurants and through room service. They will ensure a safe, sanitary, and compliant work environment aligned with franchise, corporate, state, and federal standards. Key responsibilities include managing food and labor costs, assisting the Executive Chef with menu and production modifications, and promoting a culture of excellence and safety within the kitchen. The candidate will be empowered to contribute creative ideas and refine their craft in a collaborative setting that celebrates culinary artistry and the luxury Ritz-Carlton experience.

This full-time position, based at The Ritz-Carlton Chicago, located at 160 E Pearson St, Chicago, Illinois, offers an annual salary range of $80,000 - $95,000. The role demands leadership in kitchen operations, human resource management including hiring, training, and conducting performance reviews, as well as maintaining quality controls and rigorous sanitation standards to uphold the hotel’s reputation for providing exquisite and reliable culinary experiences. Physical demands include regular mobility, standing for extended periods, lifting heavy items up to 70 pounds, and working in a temperature-controlled kitchen environment. The role is ideal for individuals passionate about culinary excellence and looking to advance their career within a world-renowned luxury hospitality brand, committed to supportive and inclusive work culture with continuous opportunities for growth and development.