Pastry Chef - United Arab Emirates - IHG

Description

At InterContinental Abu Dhabi, we take pride in delivering exceptional culinary experiences that reflect creativity, quality, and True Hospitality for Good. We are currently seeking an experienced and passionate Pastry Chef to lead and manage the Pastry & Bakery section, ensuring the highest standards of production, consistency, and team performance across all outlets and banquet operations.

A little taste of your day-to-day:

Every day is different, but you'll mostly do:

Leadership & Team Management

• Take full responsibility for the Pastry & Bakery kitchen, overseeing daily operations, production planning, and service execution.
• Lead, train, supervise, and motivate the Pastry & Bakery team, ensuring clear delegation of tasks, skill development, and succession planning.
• Conduct daily briefings and on-the-job training to maintain InterContinental brand standards and culinary excellence.
• Work closely with the Executive Chef and Sous Chefs to align pastry operations with overall kitchen objectives.

Culinary & Production Excellence

• Plan, prepare, and present high-quality pastries, desserts, breads, viennoiseries, chocolates, and baked goods for all outlets, banquets, and special events.
• Develop and introduce innovative dessert and bakery concepts, seasonal menus, and signature items that enhance the guest experience.
• Ensure consistency in taste, presentation, portioning, and quality across all pastry offerings.
• Oversee mise-en-place, production schedules, and timely delivery for à la carte, buffet, and large-scale banquet requirements.

Cost Control & Administration

• Manage food cost, wastage, portion control, and inventory for the Pastry & Bakery section in line with departmental targets.
• Ensure accurate requisitioning, storage, labeling, and stock rotation (FIFO).
• Assist in menu costing, forecasting, and budgeting for the pastry department.

Hygiene, Safety & Standards

• Ensure strict compliance with HACCP, food safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards at all times.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment within the pastry and bakery areas.
• Ensure all equipment is used and maintained correctly, reporting any maintenance requirements promptly.

Collaboration & Brand Standards

• Collaborate with F&B, Banquets, and Events teams to support weddings, VIP functions, and special promotions.
• Uphold InterContinental and IHG brand standards, policies, and procedures at all times.
• Act as a role model, demonstrating professionalism, leadership, and commitment to True Hospitality for Good.

What we need from you:

• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in Pastry & Bakery operations within a luxury hotel or high-end hospitality environment.
• At least 2–3 years in a senior or supervisory role, leading a pastry and bakery team.
• Formal culinary or pastry qualification is strongly preferred.
• Strong expertise in pastry, bakery, viennoiserie, chocolate, desserts, and high-volume banquet production.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage, train, and develop a diverse culinary team.
• Solid knowledge of food cost control, inventory management, and HACCP standards.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and meet operational deadlines.
• Flexibility to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays as required.

What you can expect from us: 

We give our people everything they need to succeed. From a competitive salary that rewards all your hard work to a wide range of benefits designed to help you live your best work life – impressive room discounts and some of the best training in the business. 

Our mission is to welcome everyone and create inclusive teams where we celebrate difference and encourage colleagues to bring their whole selves to work. IHG Hotels & Resorts provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. We promote a culture of trust, support, and acceptance. Always welcoming different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. 

IHG gives every member of the team the room they need to belong, grow and make a difference in a collaborative environment. We know that to work well, we need to feel well – both inside and outside of work – and through our myWellbeing framework, we are committed to supporting wellbeing in your health, lifestyle, and workplace.  

So, join us and you'll become part of our ever-growing global family.