Pastry Chef

Pastry Chef Job Description

Location: Aspen, CO

Job Summary

PARC Aspen is seeking a highly skilled, creative, and driven Pastry Chef to lead our pastry and bakery program. This role is an integral part of the culinary leadership team and presents an exciting opportunity to shape a dynamic dessert program within one of Aspen s most refined dining experiences.

The ideal candidate brings a balance of technical expertise, artistic vision, and operational excellence paired with a passion for seasonality, innovation, and guest experience. As Pastry Chef, you will collaborate closely with the Executive Chef to create memorable, visually compelling, and Instagram-worthy desserts that serve as the final impression of the PARC Aspen dining journey.

Qualifications

1. Foundational & Advanced Pastry Mastery: Formal training or equivalent experience demonstrating a strong foundation in classical pastry arts, with advanced proficiency in modern techniques including chocolate, sugar work, laminated doughs, and plated desserts.
   

2. Culinary Judgment & Creative Perspective: A refined palate and aesthetic sensibility with the ability to conceptualize desserts that balance flavor, texture, and visual composition while aligning with a broader culinary narrative.
   

3. Professional Leadership Presence: Proven ability to lead with composure and clarity in a high-performance kitchen, fostering accountability, consistency, and a culture of excellence.
   

4. Operational & Organizational Acumen: Strong understanding of kitchen systems, including production planning, product flow, and inventory awareness, with the ability to anticipate needs and maintain efficiency without compromising quality.
   

5. Commitment to Craft & Detail: A disciplined approach to execution with an uncompromising eye for detail in technique, consistency, and presentation.
   

6. Food Safety & Professional Standards: Thorough knowledge of sanitation, food safety regulations, and proper kitchen protocols, with a commitment to maintaining a clean and compliant work environment.
   

7. Resilience & Work Ethic: Ability to perform at a high level in a demanding, fast-paced environment, with the stamina and mindset required for extended hours and seasonal intensity.
   

8. Hospitality-Driven Mindset: An understanding that pastry is the final impression of the guest experience, with a genuine passion for creating memorable moments through food.
   

Responsibilities

1. Pastry Production & Execution
   

2. 1. Lead daily production of all pastry items including chocolates, plated desserts, breads, and viennoiserie
      

   2. Ensure timely, organized, and consistent execution across service and private events
      

   3. Maintain the highest standards of product quality and consistency
      

3. Menu Development & Innovation
   

4. 1. Design and execute seasonal dessert menus aligned with PARC Aspen s culinary direction
      

   2. Develop visually compelling, modern presentations that resonate with guests
      

   3. Continuously evolve offerings based on seasonality, trends, and guest feedback
      

5. Technique & Program Development
   

6. 1. Implement and refine advanced pastry techniques across the program
      

   2. Introduce new methods, products, and concepts to elevate the pastry offering
      

7. Ingredient & Inventory Management
   

8. 1. Source, select, and manage high-quality ingredients
      

   2. Oversee ordering, inventory, and product rotation to ensure freshness and cost control
      

9. Quality Control & Presentation
   

10. 1. Uphold standards for taste, texture, and visual presentation across all pastry items
       

    2. Oversee plating, decorating, and finishing to ensure brand consistency
       

11. Team Leadership & Development
    

12. 1. Train, mentor, and develop pastry team members
       

    2. Establish production standards, systems, and workflows
       

    3. Support hiring and onboarding of pastry team
       

13. Event & Service Support
    

14. 1. Collaborate on custom dessert offerings for private dining and special events
       

    2. Support tastings, activations, and chef-driven experiences
       

15. Guest Experience
    

16. 1. Contribute to the overall guest experience through thoughtful execution and presentation
       

    2. Engage with guests when appropriate to enhance their experience
       

17. Food Safety & Kitchen Standards
    

18. 1. Maintain strict adherence to all health and sanitation standards
       

    2. Ensure organization, cleanliness, and compliance within the pastry department
       

19. Collaboration with Executive Chef
    

20. 1. Work closely with the Executive Chef on menu alignment and program development
       

    2. Participate in tastings, planning, and broader kitchen initiatives
       

Physical Requirements & Availability

• Ability to stand and work on feet for up to 10 12 hours per shift
  

• Ability to lift and carry standard kitchen equipment and ingredients
  

• Must have full availability including evenings, weekends, holidays, and peak seasonal periods
  

Team Member Benefits

• Health, Dental, & Vision Insurance (80% covered for team members)
  

• Seasonal vacation during off-season closures (approximately up to 8weeks)
  

• 401(k) plan with up to 4% employer match (eligible after 90 days)
  

• 48 hours of sick pay
  

• Premier Ski Pass - classified as taxable income
  

• Bus Pass (if needed)
  

• Employee housing* (*available to those who qualify)
  

• Relocation assistance available
  

• Annual training & education opportunities
  

Who We Are

At PARC Aspen, we deliver an elevated dining experience that reflects the spirit and beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Locally owned by longtime Aspen residents Maryanne and Harley Sefton, PARC Aspen was founded with a clear mission: to preserve the soul of the local community and hospitality industry. Their vision Bringing Local Back to Aspen, One Curated Dish at a Time guides everything we do.

Our menus are rooted in seasonality and sourcing, with ingredients thoughtfully selected from Colorado farms and purveyors whenever possible. Under the direction of Executive Chef Stefano Schiaffino, the cuisine is refined and expressive blending French technique with his Peruvian heritage and global perspective. Each dish is crafted with precision, balancing creativity with a deep respect for ingredient integrity.

Complementing the culinary program is one of Aspen s most distinguished wine lists. Recognized with Wine Spectator s Best of Award of Excellence, our cellar features more than 1,300 curated labels from iconic estates and emerging producers around the world.

At its core, PARC Aspen is about hospitality creating an environment that is sophisticated yet approachable, where guests feel welcomed, cared for, and inspired to return.