What began as a commissary kitchen supporting restaurants Twelve, Evo Kitchen + Bar, The Good Table, and the soon-to-open Douro, has grown into its own brand : Not a Bakery (NAB). Today, NAB wholesales to select purveyors and offers seasonal retail service from a food trailer in Portland, Maine. Built on a foundation of culinary creativity and craft, NAB focuses on producing exceptional breads and pastries that reflect both classic techniques and modern innovation. Our team is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of quality, consistency, and hospitality while fostering a collaborative, respectful, and growth-oriented workplace.
Position Summary
We’re seeking a Head Pastry Chef to join NAB’s senior leadership team. This role is perfect for a seasoned pastry professional with a wide range of expertise—from veinoiseries, bread to plated desserts and large-scale bakery production. The Head Pastry Chef will oversee the pastry program, collaborate with the Head Baker, and work closely with NAB leadership to drive brand development, client engagement, and menu innovation. In addition, this role provides mentorship to the pastry team, fosters a positive kitchen culture, and ensures consistent, high-quality products that reflect NAB’s vision and seasonal approach.
Key Responsibilities :
- Provide senior leadership within the NAB kitchen, working closely with the General Manager on brand development and client engagement
- Oversee and collaborate with the Head Baker on the bread program to align with NAB’s standards and goals
- Develop and execute pastry programs across multiple disciplines, including viennoiserie, breads, plated desserts, and bakery production
- Collaborate with leadership from other Prentice Hospitality Group properties for menu planning, seasonal updates, and event execution
- Manage multiple dessert menus, ensuring seasonal updates and creative innovation
- Build and maintain strong relationships with Prentice Hospitality Group’s property leadership for collaboration and consistency
- Lead and inspire the pastry team by setting clear expectations around product quality, time management, and scheduling
- Foster a kitchen ethos of respect, responsibility, and collaboration, with a focus on mentorship and skill development
- Oversee kitchen operations including staff scheduling, timecard management, and equipment upkeep
- Utilize Restaurant365 (R365) for cost management and reporting
- Develop and document standardized procedures and recipes to ensure consistency and efficiency across all products
Qualifications :
Experience as a Pastry Chef or Head Pastry Chef in a bakery, restaurant, or hospitality settingExpertise across multiple pastry disciplines (veinoiseries, breads, plated desserts, production baking)Strong leadership skills with a track record of team development and mentorshipExcellent interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate across teams and propertiesSolid understanding of kitchen operations, scheduling, and cost management systemsPassion for seasonality, creativity, and client-driven menu developmentBenefits :
401(k) with employer matchDental insuranceDisability insuranceEmployee discountHealth insurancePaid time offPaid trainingVision insurance