Pastry Chef
Full Job Description
Onua Bakery is an artisan bakery & café that specializes in freshly baked, handcrafted sourdough and African-style baked goods, including bread, cakes, cookies, meat pies, cupcakes, chips, and a variety of other delicious pastries. As we continue to expand, we’re eager to bring on new team members who share our passion for delivering the finest, freshly baked goods. Our goal is to provide customers with exceptional, flavorful, and visually captivating products.
We are seeking a talented and passionate Pastry Chef to join our growing team. We specialize in high-quality artisanal baked goods with a strong focus on French viennoiseries and West African-inspired pastries. This role is ideal for someone who takes pride in precision, creativity, and craftsmanship, and who thrives in a fast-paced, high-volume bakery environment.
The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of traditional French pastry techniquesespecially laminated doughs and is comfortable working with industrial kitchen equipment. You will play a key role in enhancing our pastry program, producing visually stunning, high-quality pastries that reflect our bakery’s commitment to excellence and innovation.
Key Responsibilities
- Expertly prepare and bake a wide variety of French viennoiseries and artisanal pastries, including croissants, pain au chocolat, fruit danishes, and other laminated dough products.
- Uphold the highest standards in taste, texture, and presentation, using only fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Operate and maintain industrial baking equipment such as dough mixers, sheeters, proofer-retarders, and commercial ovens.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and food-safe kitchen environment at all times.
- Collaborate with other bakers, pastry cooks, and front-of-house staff to ensure smooth daily operations.
- Assist in menu development, bringing seasonal and creative ideas to elevate our pastry offerings.
- Monitor and manage inventory levels, ensuring timely ordering of ingredients and supplies.
- Stay informed about industry trends, techniques, and tools to continuously improve and innovate.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience as a pastry chef or in a similar role in an artisanal or high-volume bakery.
- Strong expertise in French pastry and viennoiserie, particularly laminated dough techniques.
- Familiarity with industrial baking processes and equipment.
- A balance of artistic flair and precision.
- Ability to manage production timelines and maintain consistency under pressure.
- Passion for innovation, teamwork, and delivering an exceptional customer experience.
Requirements
- Formal training in French Pastry techniques is a must.
- Proven experience working as a Pastry Chef in an industrial kitchen environment.
- Expertise in using industrial machinery such as mixers, ovens, and other kitchen equipment.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to create visually impressive and delicious baked goods.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment without compromising on quality.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- A passion for baking and a commitment to delivering the best in artisanal and African-style pastries.
- Flexibility to work early mornings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Benefits:
- Ongoing training
- Group insurance (drug, dental) - regular full-time employee
- Sick days and floating vacations
- Discounts on in-store purchases
- Work clothes provided
- Opportunities for advancement
- Plus other benefits.
Work Language: English
Job Types: Full-time
Salary: $18.00-$23.00 per hour
Physical Demands: The physical demands this position is exposed to are: The employee will be on feet most of the day. Employees must be able to lift up to 50 lbs.
Experience in cooking is a must, with a minimum of 3 years required. Additionally, possession of a Food Safe, SafeCheck, Food Handler or equivalent certification is preferred.
Location: Ottawa, ON K1N 0E7. Please note that you should be able to reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work.
Send your resume and cover letter to
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: $19.00-$23.00 per hour
Schedule:
- Evening shift
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed
Application question(s):
- Can you describe your experience managing a bakery, including forming and mixing dough, and maintaining product quality?
- How have you developed and implemented new recipes or baking techniques to enhance the bakery’s offerings and improve efficiency?
- Describe your experience in experience working in a French bakery?
Experience:
- Food: 5 years (preferred)
- Pastry Chef: 3 years (required)
Work Location: In person
Expected start date: 2025-07-31