Head Pastry Chef

About Us:
Late's Group, a curator of exceptional culinary experiences since 2019, is proud to announce that our flagship restaurant, Late’s Group, has been recognized in the Michelin Guide 2025. This achievement is a testament to our team's dedication to artistry, quality, and innovation. We are a dynamic and growing group committed to providing unforgettable moments for our guests. Now, we seek a visionary Head Pastry Chef to complete our culinary journey and help us solidify our place among the world's best.

Job Description:
We are looking for a talented and passionate Head Pastry Chef to architect and lead the entire pastry and bakery program for our Michelin-Guide-recognized restaurant. You will be the creative force behind a dessert menu that must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our acclaimed savory offerings. This is a key leadership role that demands a blend of profound artistic talent, impeccable technical skill, and the ability to inspire a team. You will be responsible for establishing and maintaining the highest standards of quality, consistency, and creativity.

Key Responsibilities:

Menu Development & Creativity:

• Design, develop, and execute an innovative, seasonally-driven dessert menu that complements the restaurant's philosophy and earns its place on the Michelin stage.
• Create visually stunning, technically precise, and memorably delicious plated desserts, petits fours, and artisanal breads.
• Spearhead research into cutting-edge techniques and source the finest, most unique ingredients to ensure our pastry program is both contemporary and exceptional.
• Develop and meticulously cost new menu items, aligning creativity with financial targets.

Kitchen Leadership & Management:

• Lead, mentor, and cultivate a team of pastry professionals, fostering an environment of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee all daily operations of the pastry department, including production, scheduling, ordering, and stringent adherence to food safety standards (HACCP).
• Ensure every item leaving the pastry kitchen meets an uncompromising standard of quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Manage food and labor costs with precision, operating effectively within the established budget.

Operational Excellence:

• Maintain an impeccably organized and clean pastry kitchen, exceeding all health and safety regulations.
• Manage inventory and build strong relationships with premium purveyors to secure the best possible ingredients.
• Ensure the proper maintenance and operation of all pastry kitchen equipment.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Required:
• A minimum of 5+ years of progressive pastry experience, with at least 2-3 years in a leadership role (Pastry Chef de Cuisine or Head Pastry Chef) within a Michelin-starred or Michelin-Guide-recognized establishment.
• Mastery of classical and modern pastry techniques, with a portfolio that demonstrates expertise in plated desserts, chocolate, sugar, and viennoiserie.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to motivate, teach, and manage a team under the pressure of a high-expectation kitchen.
• Expert-level understanding of food cost control, inventory management, and kitchen budgeting.
• An impeccable eye for detail and a deep-seated passion for achieving the highest quality.
• Formal culinary/pastry school training is highly desirable.
• Food Safety Certification (ServSafe or equivalent).
• Preferred:
• Experience working within an established restaurant group.
• A strong portfolio or documented examples of work that reflect a fine-dining aesthetic.

What We Offer:

• A highly competitive salary and a lucrative performance-based bonus structure commensurate with a Michelin-level establishment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and development within the expanding Late's Group.
• The opportunity to be a pivotal part of a recognized team and to define the pastry program at a critical moment in our journey.
• A creative, supportive, and ambitious work environment.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent, Contract

Pay: AED5,000.00 - AED15,000.00 per month