Pastry Sous Chef

Celebrating 20 years since first opening its doors in London, Zuma is sophisticated twist on the traditional Japanese Izakaya style of informal eating and drinking.

Co-founded by Rainer Becker and Arjun Waney in 2002, Zuma has 15 venues globally and 9 seasonal locations.

Featuring modern Japanese cuisine that is authentic but not traditional. The menu showcases a variety of dishes from its three kitchens : the main kitchen, the sushi counter and the robata grill.

Zuma, the brainchild of award-winning co-founder and creator, Rainer Becker, brings its internationally acclaimed style of authentic and modern Japanese food to Midtown, New York.

JOB SUMMARY :

To oversee and manage the seamless running of the pastry department in support to the Head Pastry Chef; by providing a highly efficient and effective service while ensuring that all financial and statutory requirements are met and supporting the delivery of outstanding customer service.

This role will oversee a team of pastry cooks and ensure the seamless execution of desserts on our menu.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS :

• Lead and supervise a team of Pastry Cooks, providing guidance, training, and support as needed
• Produce high quality, pastries, cakes, and other baked goods that follow up the established menu and level up to location’s standards
• Oversee the production and plating of desserts, ensuring consistency, quality, and presentation
• Partner with Head Pastry Chef and Executive Chefs to create new and exciting desserts based on seasonality
• Assist in scheduling pastry staff, managing labor costs, and optimizing staffing levels to meet business demands
• Manage inventory and ordering of pastry ingredients and supplies to maintain optimal stock levels
• Assist in recipe development, testing, and costing as needed
• Check quality of material and condition of equipment and devices used for cooking
• Mentor and develop pastry team members, fostering a positive and collaborative work environment
• Train team on allergen awareness and management, ensuring all staff are knowledgeable about handling food allergies safely
• Monitor pastry station during service, troubleshooting any issues that arise and ensuring smooth operations
• Adhere to strict cleanliness protocol as well as health and safety standards
• Accountable for maintenance areas / unites of responsibility
• Collaborate with front-of-house staff to ensure seamless communication and execution of dessert orders
• Ensure that company policies and procedures, safety and other laws, regulations, and requirements are implemented and followed
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local labor, health, and safety laws
• Operate ethically to protect the image of the company
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as required or requested

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

• 2 years professional pastry experience with a pastry culinary degree preferred
• Prior experience in a high-volume restaurant or hotel environment
• Must possess a valid New York City Department of Health Food Handler's Card (New York location only)
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team
• Excellent knowledge of pastry techniques, ingredients, and flavors
• Creative flair and attention to detail, with a passion for creating innovative and visually stunning desserts
• Proficient in the following dimensions / functions : food planning and preparation, purchasing, sanitation, security, company policies and procedures, personnel management, recordkeeping, and preparation of reports
• Demonstrated success in achieving fiscal results and executing to a high standard
• Computer literate with the ability to learn and adapt using all programs
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively interact with team members and stakeholders
• Ability to work effectively under pressure in a fast-paced kitchen environment
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, to effectively interact with team members and stakeholders
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

• Ability to perform the essential job functions consistent safely and successfully with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and / or quantitative productivity standards
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 lbs; Ability to stand for prolong periods of time and climb steps regularly
• Ability to physically maneuver through work areas; bend, lift, carry, reach / extend arms, and hands above shoulder height frequently, or otherwise move in a constantly changing environment

BENEFITS & PERKS

• Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
• Bonus program
• Paid Time Off
• Free family meal daily
• Dining discounts at Zuma
• The opportunity to work on a team with global hospitality / culinary experience

Zuma is an equal opportunity employer.