Job Type: Permanent position | Full time position

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Pastry Chef to lead our pastry team at The Hotel Windsor, an iconic Australian hotel embodying the architecture and elegance of a European style ‘Grand Hotel’, situated on Spring Street and located at the ‘Paris’ end of Melbourne. This is a hands‑on leadership role where you will oversee daily operations at the hotel.

Ensuring the highest standards of quality, creativity, and compliance with food safety regulations.

About Us

We pride ourselves on our Food & Beverage selection as much as the Hotel itself. With multiple venues including our Cricketers Bar, One Eleven Restaurant and multiple function spaces, we cater to a large variety of guests. Our Afternoon Tea is one of the most popular in Australia and it’s been served since the Hotel was founded in 1883.

Held in our elegant One Eleven Restaurant, Afternoon Tea is served on three‑tiered silver stands with ribbon sandwiches, savoury pastries, French patisserie, and freshly baked scones with house‑made Windsor jam and double cream. Our group boasts a collection of world‑class hospitality venues including the hatted premium dining restaurant Aru, gluten‑free bakery Kudo, and all‑day dining brasserie Antara, and the modern Indian Saadi with each offering unique experiences for our valued guests.

At the heart of our success is a passion for exceptional service and a commitment to excellence in all that we do. Reporting to the Culinary Director, you will be responsible for managing all aspects of our pastry department, from menu development to team leadership, process optimization, and maintaining an exceptional guest experience. Your expertise will be instrumental in upholding our reputation for excellence, particularly in our renowned Afternoon Tea service.

Your Day‑to‑Day

• Oversee pastry kitchen operations, with a particular focus on our renowned Afternoon Tea and banquet offerings.
• Manage stock and inventory, ensuring quality control and consistency across all pastry preparations.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a young and growing team, setting clear expectations and fostering a culture of excellence.
• Ensure compliance with all OH&S and food safety regulations, maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and workplace safety.
• Streamline kitchen procedures to enhance efficiency, consistency, and overall operational performance.
• Uphold quality standards, ensuring every pastry item meets our signature level of craftsmanship and presentation.

Qualifications

• Extensive pastry experience, with at least two years in a senior role, preferably within a hotel setting.
• Experience in large‑scale restaurants or catering operations is also highly valued.
• Proven leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, mentor, and guide a team to success.
• A deep understanding of kitchen operations, including food safety, OH&S compliance, and best practices.
• Exceptional communication skills, fostering collaboration across multiple departments while maintaining a positive and supportive work culture.
• A high level of organization and attention to detail, ensuring consistency and excellence in a fast‑paced environment.
• Flexibility and adaptability, with availability to work weekends, public holidays, and a dynamic schedule as required.

Why Join Us?

• A senior leadership role within a respected hospitality group
• A balanced work/life schedule
• Supportive team culture with a focus on excellence and growth
• Generous staff discounts, competitive salary and incentive structure
• Central CBD locations close to transport

On offer is an attractive salary (between $80,000 - $90,000, plus super). If you are an experienced hospitality professional and are dedicated to excellence, please apply now! Please be advised that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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