Executive Pastry Bakery Chef

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, production, and presentation of all pastry and bakery items across all onboard food outlets, ensuring full compliance with Company recipes, portioning, and picture presentation standards.
• Conduct regular tasting panels and quality checks, adjusting recipes, methods, and presentation as needed to maintain consistently high product standards and guest satisfaction.
• Collaborate closely with the Corporate Pastry Chef and Executive Chef to implement new pastry trends, menus, and production methods, ensuring timely roll-out and team understanding.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of the pastry and bakery galleys, organizing mise en place, production schedules, and service execution to support all outlets and events.
• Lead, coach, and develop pastry and bakery teammates, delivering daily briefings, on-the-job training, and performance feedback to build technical skills, menu knowledge, and service excellence.
• Ensure all teammates follow correct production methods, food-handling procedures, product-holding techniques, and plating standards, intervening promptly to correct deviations.
• Partner with Restaurant and Galley leadership to support special events, theme nights, and VIP functions with appropriate pastry and bakery offerings.
• Advise guests and teammates on restricted diet options and allergens, ensuring suitable pastry and bakery choices are consistently available for special dietary requirements.
• Design and prepare special-occasion cakes and bespoke pastry items for celebrations, events, and VIP requests in line with brand standards.
• Plan and update weekly pastry and bakery work schedules to optimize manpower, cross-utilize skills, and ensure effective coverage across all shifts and outlets.
• Monitor food cost, labor, and waste within the pastry and bakery operation, setting production levels and par stocks in line with budget, consumption trends, and forecasted demand.
• Review consumption and feedback from each outlet to refine production plans, menu mix, and product rotation, maximizing freshness and minimizing waste.
• Work in close coordination with the Chief Baker to observe teammate performance, providing timely coaching, recognition, and corrective action where required.
• Identify high-potential teammates and actively support their development and succession planning, recommending them for advancement or promotion where appropriate.
• Ensure full compliance with company policies, Public Health and safety standards, and audit requirements within all pastry and bakery areas, maintaining a clean, organized, and hazard-free work environment.
• Commercial acumen with experience monitoring costs, managing budgets, and controlling waste, stock levels, and portioning within an agreed cost framework.

Key Responsibilities

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

Formal training in Pastry Arts, ideally a degree or diploma from a recognized culinary institution; a completed three-year apprenticeship or equivalent professional experience may be considered in lieu of formal education.

Extensive experience (typically 6+ years) in high-volume pastry and bakery operations within premium hotels, resorts, or cruise ships, including at least 2 years in an Executive Pastry Chef or equivalent leadership role.

Proven expertise across a broad repertoire of classic and contemporary pastry, bakery, chocolate, and dessert techniques, with strong menu-development and presentation skills.

Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale production schedules, menu cycles, and daily consumption forecasts while maintaining quality, consistency, and on-time delivery.

Strong people leadership skills, with experience supervising, mentoring, and developing large, multicultural teams in a fast-paced environment.

Solid understanding of food safety, allergen management, and public health standards (e.g. USPH or similar), with a consistent track record of compliance in all pastry and bakery areas.

Proficient computer skills, including MS Office and job-related galley or inventory management software.

Excellent communication skills with a strong command of the English language, both verbal and written, and the ability to clearly brief, train, and motivate teammates.

Resilient, organized, and calm under pressure, with strong problem-solving skills and a passion for delivering memorable guest experiences through pastry and bakery excellence.

Additional Information

• This position involves regular physical activity, including standing for extended periods and lifting or moving heavy items in line with operational requirements.
• Embark on a career adventure like no other! As part of the Princess Cruises team, you’ll enjoy:
• A competitive salary package.
• Your own comfortable single cabin - your private space to relax and recharge.
• Company-paid travel to and from the ship, so you can focus on the journey ahead.
• Access to exclusive areas and benefits onboard (depending on the rank and occupational group).
• A vibrant recreation and welfare program designed to support your well-being and work-life balance.
• Access to exceptional learning and development opportunities to grow your skills and advance your career.
• The chance to travel the world, exploring exciting destinations while doing what you love.
• A welcoming, inclusive, and dynamic work environment where your contributions are valued.
• Join us and become part of a global team that’s passionate about delivering unforgettable experiences—both for our guests and for one another.