Pastry Chef 
(19870)

At One&Only, we exist to create joy for our guests through anticipation, creativity, precision, empathy and warmth. We tailor every aspect of our guests’ stay to bring their dreams and desires to life. With an atmosphere that’s chic but wonderfully unstuffy™, and a team who are meticulous but warm, we seek to exceed our guests’ expectations at every possible turn. 

Cushioned in the foothills of the breath-taking Virunga Volcano Range, One&Only Gorilla’s Nest makes the magical possible to enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime, personal encounter with the rare and majestic mountain gorilla, roaming free in its own natural habitat. The warm African charm is one of our most unique and valued assets. With abundant knowledge and generosity, we anticipate our guest’s every need and surpass expectations. Whether we are designing the perfect day out or arranging a romantic private dinner, we approach everything with imagination to spark a sense of playfulness, discovery and adventure. This is not simply our job, it’s our passion. We don’t just exist in the environment, we exist with the environment; from working the land or building a shelter, we like to give back in as many ways as we can to help our communities flourish.

Job Summary

The Pastry Chef is responsible for leading all pastry and bakery operations within One&Only Gorillas Nest ensuring the delivery of exceptional quality desserts, pastries, breads, cakes, chocolates, and specialty items that reflect the Ultra luxury standards of the property. The role oversees a small pastry team, manages food costs, drives innovation, maintains food safety compliance, and contributes to memorable guest experiences through creative and consistent pastry offerings.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, motivate, and develop the pastry team to achieve high performance standards.
• Plan daily production and allocate tasks effectively.
• Train and coach team members on pastry techniques, presentation, food safety, and luxury service standards.
• Conduct performance reviews and identify development opportunities.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment.

• Pastry & Bakery Operations

• Plan, prepare, and supervise the production of all pastries, desserts, cakes, chocolates, breads, and bakery products.
• Develop seasonal menus and innovative dessert concepts.
• Ensure consistency, quality, and presentation of all pastry products.
• Oversee dessert offerings for restaurants and special events.
• Create signature products that enhance the resort's culinary identity.

• Guest Experience

• Ensure pastry offerings exceed guest expectations and align with luxury hospitality standards.
• Prepare personalized desserts and amenities for all the guests and special occasions.
• Collaborate with culinary and service teams to create memorable dining experiences.
• Monitor guest feedback and implement improvements where necessary.

• Cost Control & Inventory

• Manage pastry food costs within approved budgets.
• Monitor stock levels and place orders in a timely manner.
• Minimize waste through proper planning and portion control.
• Conduct regular inventory counts and maintain accurate records.
• Ensure proper storage and rotation of products using FIFO principles.

• Hygiene, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with HACCP and food safety regulations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe pastry kitchen.
• Monitor equipment maintenance and report any issues promptly.
• Enforce health, safety, and sanitation standards at all times.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Stay informed about industry trends and emerging pastry techniques.
• Introduce new products and seasonal specialties.
• Support sustainability initiatives through responsible sourcing and waste reduction practices.

• Skills, Experience & education requirements

• Diploma or Certificate in Pastry Arts, Culinary Arts, or a related discipline.
• Advanced pastry certifications are an advantage.

• Minimum 5 years of pastry experience in luxury hotels, resorts, or fine dining establishments.
• Minimum 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
• Proven experience managing a small pastry team.

Our brand is expanding faster than ever before. We are investing in the growth of our company, and that means we are committed to investing in you. Join a team that is open-hearted, intuitive, generous, and spontaneous in spirit. We believe in making our guests happy beyond anything they have ever imagined. We wow them at every turn and create memories that will last a lifetime. You will be at the heart of this vision, to constantly innovate to deliver Amazing Experiences and Everlasting Memories.