Experienced Pastry Chef

Location: South Vancouver
Employment Type: Full-Time
Hours: 40 hours per week
Benefits: Available after successful completion of the probation period
Compensation: $32.00/h + Pool Tips
Transportation Requirement: Must have reliable transportation to and from the South Vancouver kitchen (at V5P 4Y7), as shifts may start early.

At Praguery, we pride ourselves on offering high-quality pastries made from natural, premium ingredients. Our menu features a wide range of products, including chimney cakes, cheesecakes, danishes, and more. Our central kitchen plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and freshness of everything we serve.

About the Role

We are seeking an independent, experienced Pastry Chef to take ownership of our central kitchen’s pastry production, daily operations, and ongoing menu innovation. This role is ideal for a hands-on professional with strong pastry skills, excellent organizational abilities, and a passion for creating exceptional baked goods. Previous bakery experience is an asset.

You will oversee production from start to finish, maintain a clean and organized kitchen, manage inventory and costs, and contribute original creations to our evolving menu. You will also have dedicated weekly R&D; days to experiment with new recipes, develop seasonal specials, and introduce fresh ideas to our locations.

Key Responsibilities

1. Pastry Production & Kitchen Operations

- Independently manage daily pastry and bakery production in the central kitchen.
- Prepare cakes, cheesecakes, focaccia, pastries, and other baked goods at scale while maintaining consistent quality.
- Produce large batches of sauces, syrups, fillings, and other components, including batches of up to 50 litres, with accuracy and consistency.
- Organize production schedules, prioritize tasks, and ensure all products are prepared and delivered on time.
- Maintain a clean, sanitary, and well-organized kitchen, following food safety regulations and proper cleaning and sanitation procedures.
- Ensure equipment is properly maintained and report any repair or maintenance requirements promptly.
- Take ownership of kitchen operations while providing leadership and support to additional team members during peak periods.

2. Recipe Creation & Menu Development

- Develop original recipes and signature pastry creations that reflect our brand, customer preferences, and current food trends.
- Introduce and feature at least one new original creation per month for our locations.




- Plan and execute weekly dedicated Creation Days focused on research and development (R&D;), including testing new specials, refining recipes, and exploring seasonal ingredients and techniques - we want to see you be creative here!
- Collaborate on seasonal menu launches and contribute innovative ideas to continuously improve our product lineup.
- Test, standardize, and refine recipes to ensure consistent taste, appearance, quality, and scalability for central kitchen production.
- Evaluate ingredient availability, production feasibility, and food costs when developing new products.

3. Recipe Documentation & System Management

- Maintain complete and accurate recipe documentation within our software system.
- Document ingredient specifications, quantities, preparation methods, production steps, yields, and portion sizes.
- Create and maintain standardized procedures, including detailed production instructions, process documentation, and quality control standards.
- Record recipe revisions, product specifications, and other relevant operational information to ensure consistency and traceability.
- Ensure recipes and production processes are properly documented, standardized, and accessible for future use and scaling.

4. Inventory, Purchasing & Cost Control

- Monitor inventory levels, ingredient usage, and product requirements.
- Prepare and submit ingredient and supply orders to maintain adequate stock while minimizing waste.
- Manage food costs, production efficiency, and labour costs in line with established targets.
- Monitor product yields, portion control, spoilage, and waste, implementing improvements where needed.
- Maintain relationships with suppliers and identify opportunities to improve ingredient quality and purchasing efficiency.

5. Leadership, Safety & Quality Assurance

- Work independently and demonstrate accountability for kitchen performance and product quality.
- Lead and coordinate a small team during busy periods and peak seasons.
- Maintain high standards of cleanliness, personal hygiene, food handling, and workplace safety.
- Ensure compliance with applicable food safety requirements and internal operating procedures.




- Maintain consistent product presentation, quality, and freshness across all production batches.

Qualifications & Requirements

- Minimum 3 years of professional experience as a Pastry Chef or in a comparable pastry production role.
- Previous bakery or high-volume central kitchen experience is a strong asset.
- Proven ability to work independently, manage production priorities, and take ownership of kitchen operations.
- Demonstrated experience in original recipe creation, pastry development, and menu innovation.
- Strong technical skills in cakes, cheesecakes, pastries, focaccia, and other baked goods.
- Experience producing large batches of sauces, syrups, fillings, and other components.
- Strong understanding of food costing, inventory management, purchasing, and waste reduction.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Comfortable using SAP or similar software for recipe management, production records, and process documentation; willingness to learn our systems is essential.
- Knowledge of food safety regulations, sanitation procedures, and kitchen equipment maintenance.
- Ability to lead and support a small team during high-volume periods.
- Ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 lb (approximately 23 kg) as required for kitchen operations.

What We Offer

- Full-time employment.
- Advantages available after successful completion of the probation period. The advantages package includes 80% coverage for eligible paramedical services, such as massage therapy, physiotherapy, chiropractic care, and psychology; life insurance; 80% prescription drug coverage; dental coverage up to $1,500 per year; vision care; virtual medical support; and an Employee Assistance Program (EFAP).
- Dedicated weekly R&D; and Creation Days to develop new recipes and seasonal specials.
- The opportunity to take ownership of pastry production and make a meaningful contribution to our menu.
- A creative, hands-on role with opportunities to develop original products and improve kitchen processes.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $32.00 per hour

Benefits:

- Dental care
- Discounted or free food
- Extended health care
- In office parking

Education:

- AEC / DEP or Skilled Trade Certificate (preferred)

Experience:

- Pastry Production: 3 years (required)
- Commercial kitchen: 1 year (required)
- Baking: 2 years (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

- FoodSafe (required)
- driving licence and are you able to commute to V5P 4Y7? (preferred)

Work Location: In person

📌 Pastry Chef (South Vancouver)
🏢 Praguery
📍 South Vancouver