**Job Description: Executive Pastry Chef** **Overview** A growing Italian\-inspired bakery, pastry shop, and specialty coffee concept in Óbidos, Portugal is seeking a highly skilled Executive Pastry Chef to lead its pastry kitchen. The operation focuses on authentic Italian and European pastry traditions, artisanal craftsmanship, and high\-end café and retail offerings. As the business expands, the Executive Pastry Chef will play a critical role in defining the creative and operational direction of the pastry program. **Role Summary** The Executive Pastry Chef will oversee the full pastry operation, including recipe development, production management, quality control, team leadership, and innovation. This role requires a refined technical foundation in traditional Italian and European pastry\-making, a strong aesthetic sensibility, and the ability to translate culinary vision into consistent daily output. **Key Responsibilities** * Lead and supervise the pastry team, ensuring highest standards in taste, texture, and presentation. * Develop, test, and refine recipes for Italian\-inspired pastries, desserts, and specialty items for café service and retail sales. * Create seasonal pastries, plated desserts, cakes, and signature sweets aligned with the brand’s culinary identity. * Ensure consistent quality, visual excellence, and product integrity across the full pastry range. * Oversee ingredient sourcing, inventory management, and supplier relationships to optimize quality and cost efficiency. * Ensure compliance with HACCP and Portuguese food safety and hygiene regulations. * Plan and manage daily and weekly production schedules for café operations and special orders. * Train, mentor, and motivate junior pastry chefs to uphold operational standards and a culture of craftsmanship. * Collaborate with management on menu design, new product launches, and special events. * Maintain a disciplined, clean, organized pastry kitchen that reflects professional standards. **Candidate Profile and Requirements** * Proven experience as a Head Pastry Chef or Senior Pastry Chef within a premium bakery, patisserie, or café environment. * Expertise in Italian and European pastry traditions, including viennoiseries, tarts, bomboloni, choux, biscotti, semifreddo, mousse cakes, and holiday specialties such as panettone and colomba. * Strong artistic sensibility with refined plating and presentation skills. * Demonstrated leadership and organizational capabilities to manage people, production, and workflow. * Strong understanding of pastry science, temperature control, and ingredient behavior. * Solid knowledge of HACCP and industry food safety standards. * Professional pastry or culinary education preferred. * Strong understanding of bakery operations is a plus. * Fluency in English required; Portuguese or Italian an advantage. * Passion for innovation, visual craftsmanship, and authentic culinary expression. * Italian nationality not required, but candidates with this background may be given preference. **What the Role Offers** * Opportunity to lead the pastry operations of a growing Italian\-inspired brand in a highly picturesque and culturally rich setting. * Creative autonomy to shape menus and develop signature products that define the café’s culinary identity. * Supportive leadership environment within an international hospitality structure. * Competitive compensation aligned with experience. * Clear growth potential within the organization. **Proposed Remuneration Package** * Monthly gross salary: €1500–€2000 * Annual holiday allowance and Christmas allowance * Shared accommodation in a team apartment **Location** Óbidos, Portugal Job Type: Full\-time Pay: 1,500\.00€ \- 2,000\.00€ per month Application Question(s): * Do you know how to work with sourdough breads, focaccia, croissants, bomboloni, biscotti, pasticcotti, tarts, and seasonal specialties such as panettone or colomba? * Do you have a European passport? * Do you have experience as a Head Pastry Chef or Senior Pastry Chef within a premium bakery, patisserie, or café environment? Language: * English (Required)