Job Description
**Description:**
At Hyatt Hotels and Alila, we believe in creating unforgettable journeys where luxury is defined by authenticity, connection, and care. Perched high above the Pacific Ocean in the heart of Big Sur, Alila Ventana Big Sur is a Forbes 4-Star property and recipient of two MICHELIN Keys. Here, the sky, sea, mountains, and redwoods converge to create a sanctuary where colleagues and guests alike are inspired to connect, grow, and thrive. Our resort is deeply committed to environmental stewardship and sustainable operations, from sourcing local, seasonal ingredients to minimizing waste, conserving water, and protecting the surrounding redwood forest. Every role at Ventana plays a part in supporting these practices and honoring our unique natural environment.
**Position Overview**
The Pastry Chef leads and inspires the pastry team in creating innovative, visually stunning, and consistently high-quality pastry and bakery offerings for all dining outlets, banquets, and special events. This "hands-on" leadership role combines culinary artistry with strong administrative and operational skills, ensuring all pastry operations align with Hyatt quality standards, Alila's sustainability values, and the resort's seasonal, locally driven culinary philosophy. The Pastry Chef works closely with the Executive Chef, Events, and Food & Beverage teams, serving as a liaison between departments to deliver exceptional guest experiences. This is a fully on-site position at our Big Sur property, and we are open to considering visa sponsorship for qualified candidates.
**Key Responsibilities**
_Creative Menu Development & Production_
· Develop and execute seasonal pastry and bakery menus incorporating locally sourced, sustainable ingredients
· Design plated desserts, breads, cakes, and specialty pastries for restaurants, banquets, and unique one-off events
· Introduce creative, trend-forward concepts that enhance the guest experience and reflect the natural beauty of Big Sur
· Maintain consistency, quality, and on-brand presentation for all pastry items
_Operational & Administrative Management_
· Oversee pastry production schedules, staffing, and workflow to meet operational demands
· Manage ordering, inventory, and cost control to achieve financial targets and minimize waste
· Ensure cleanliness, organization, and compliance with food safety, sanitation, and HACCP standards
· Utilize computer and kitchen management systems for ordering, scheduling, and reporting
_Leadership, Collaboration & Guest Engagement_
· Lead, train, and mentor pastry cooks, fostering creativity, technical skills, and team collaboration
· Work cross-departmentally with culinary, banquet, and service teams to coordinate menu execution for events and outlets
· Attend interdepartmental meetings, contributing to operational planning and innovation
· Participate in occasional guest-facing culinary activations, such as pastry demonstrations or interactive classes, that align with the resort's brand and sustainability ethos
**Salary & Benefits**
Salary Range: $70,000-$80,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications
_Hyatt Benefits Include:_
· Annual allotment of free and discounted stays at Hyatt hotels worldwide
· Well-being benefits including complimentary Headspace subscription and tuition reimbursement
· Global family assistance policy, with paid leave for birth/adoption and adoption financial support
· Paid Time Off
· Medical, Dental, Vision, and 401(k) with company match after 30 days of employment
_Alila Ventana Big Sur Colleague Perks:_
· Complimentary daily meals
· Gas stipend for eligible candidates
**Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion**
Hyatt Hotels and Alila are equal opportunity employers. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
**Qualifications:**
· Minimum of 3-5 years of progressive pastry leadership experience in a luxury hotel, resort, or fine-dining setting
· Culinary degree or pastry certification preferred
· Strong technical skills in pastry, baking, and dessert presentation, with creative flair and attention to detail
· Proven ability to manage production for multiple outlets and large-scale events simultaneously
· Solid knowledge of cost control, inventory management, and purchasing practices
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office and basic kitchen management software
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; able to work collaboratively across departments
· Demonstrated experience incorporating seasonal, locally sourced ingredients into menu development
· Ability to perform effectively under pressure and tight timelines
· Commitment to environmental stewardship and alignment with Alila Ventana Big Sur's sustainability practices
**Physical Requirements & Additional Qualifications**
· Ability to stand for extended periods in a high-temperature kitchen environment
· Must be able to lift, carry, or move up to 50 pounds
· Manual dexterity and visual acuity for precise pastry work and plating
· Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required for commuting to Big Sur
· Flexible schedule to meet business needs, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays
· Open to visa sponsorship for highly qualified candidates
**Primary Location:** US-CA-Big Sur
**Organization:** Ventana Big Sur, An Alila Resort
**Pay Basis:** Yearly
**Job Level:** Full-time
**Job:** Culinary
**Req ID:** BIG000855
Hyatt is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship status or any other group protected by law.
Job Tags
Full time, Work at office, Local area, Worldwide, Flexible hours, Afternoon shift, Early shift,
Similar Jobs
Opusing LLC - Staffing Agency
...Management Analyst I/Technical writer Location- Cheswick PA 15024 (Remote/Hybrid/Onsite) Shift-day Contract -6 months with... ...are seeking a detail-oriented and dedicated Product Data Sheet Specialist on a contract basis to support the creation, maintenance, and accuracy...
Medical Services of America
...Medi Home Health Agency, a division of Medical Services of America Inc ., is currently seeking an experienced Full-Time Intake Coordinator for our... ...preferably home care. Previous customer service and data entry experience preferred. MSA offers competitive pay...
Innovative Systems Group
Work Location: 1000 E. Warrenville Road, Naperville, IL 60563 Contract: 2025-08-25 to 2025-12-31 Will start fully onsite until the business is confident the person can work independently then will transition to hybrid. To work hybrid, candidates must have their own ...
Cedars-Sinai
...inclusive environment that fuels innovation and the gold standard of patient care we strive for.What will you be doing:The Orthopedic Cast Technician (Sports Medicine) will perform a variety of tasks associated with orthopedic casting procedures under the instruction of...
Rutland Regional Medical Center
...RN Operating Room In Training Rutland-VT-05701-United States Responsible for the delivery... ...months. Minimum Education Graduate of an accredited school of nursing, BSN preferred* Successful completion of RRMC OR Training program...