Pastry Sous Chef - Alexandria, VA

Ridgewells is a well-established catering and hospitality company headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, known for delivering high-quality culinary experiences in various settings, including corporate events, social gatherings, and fine dining occasions. As a prominent player in the hospitality industry, Ridgewells prides itself on its commitment to exceptional service, creativity, and culinary excellence. This company thrives on innovation and maintains rigorous standards to ensure every client experiences outstanding taste and presentation. With a strong reputation, Ridgewells continues to expand and adapt in an ever-evolving market, emphasizing the importance of skilled culinary professionals who can uphold and enhance its brand values. The position of Pastry Sous Chef at Ridgewells is a full-time role based at their headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland. Offering a competitive salary range between $60,000 and $65,000 annually, this role is crucial for supporting the Executive Pastry Chef in managing and directing all pastry operations within the kitchen. The Pastry Sous Chef is entrusted with ensuring the flawless preparation of all baked goods, overseeing staff performance, and maintaining quality control throughout the production process. Serving as the second-in-command in the pastry kitchen, the incumbent will assume the Executive Pastry Chef's responsibilities during their absence, guaranteeing continuity in kitchen operations and upholding Ridgewells’ high standards. This role requires an individual with a strong background in baking and pastry arts, ideally backed by an Associate Degree or certification from a recognized culinary institute. The Pastry Sous Chef will be actively involved in daily bakery operations, supervising the preparation and presentation of bakery items to meet both aesthetic and quality standards. Furthermore, the position includes collaborative tasks such as assisting with menu development, costing new items, managing inventory, and ordering ingredients. The role is dynamic and requires not only culinary expertise but also leadership skills to train and guide bakery associates, ensuring adherence to food handling and sanitation regulations. Additionally, the Pastry Sous Chef will play an important role in budget management, labor scheduling, and the maintenance of kitchen safety protocols. The ideal candidate will bring a proactive mindset, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced, sometimes high-pressure environment, often handling multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional quality. Proficiency in computer programs such as Microsoft Excel is helpful for managing administrative tasks related to inventory and budgeting. This position offers an excellent opportunity to grow within a reputable company that values dedication, creativity, and culinary skill, providing a supportive environment to thrive in the hospitality industry.

• Associate degree in baking and pastry arts or related field
• 3 to 5 years experience in pastry production or similar kitchen environment
• Proficiency in English communication
• Ability to use Microsoft Excel and other software
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Must be punctual and reliable
• Ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Commitment to food safety and sanitation standards
• Physical ability to perform kitchen duties including standing for long periods