Pastry Chef

Role Overview

Pastry Chef at IHG Hotels and Resorts, Crowne Plaza Muscat OCEC.

Company Overview

Crowne Plaza is one of the largest and best-loved premium hotel brands in the world, with more than 400 hotels in diverse locations globally. The brand is a trusted partner for meetings and events, with expertise in connecting both domestic and global groups. Crowne Plaza's branded service style, "Dare to Connect," supports colleagues in delivering an unscripted approach to service that encourages warm, engaging interactions with guests. IHG Hotels & Resorts is committed to delivering True Hospitality for Good and creating inclusive teams where colleagues bring their whole selves to work.

Role Purpose

Lead all pastry and bakery operations at the hotel, ensuring the highest standards of quality, creativity, food safety, and guest satisfaction. Oversee the production of pastries, desserts, breads, cakes, chocolates, and specialty baked items for all hotel outlets, banquets, meetings, and special events while inspiring the pastry team, maintaining consistency in presentation and taste, managing costs effectively, and supporting the hotel's culinary vision.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Production

• Lead the daily operation of the pastry and bakery kitchen.
• Produce high-quality breads, viennoiseries, cakes, chocolates, desserts, and specialty items.
• Design and develop innovative dessert, pastry, bakery, and confectionery menus.
• Develop seasonal, festive, and promotional dessert offerings.
• Ensure all pastry products meet IHG brand standards and hotel quality expectations.
• Ensure consistency in taste, presentation, and portion control across all outlets.
• Introduce new techniques and trends to enhance the guest dining experience.

Banquet & Events Support

• Support banquet operations with creative dessert presentations for conferences, weddings, and events.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef on menu planning and special culinary events.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with HACCP, food safety regulations, and local municipality requirements.
• Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness and sanitation throughout the pastry kitchen.
• Monitor food storage, labeling, temperature control, and stock rotation using FIFO principles.
• Conduct regular quality inspections of ingredients and finished products.
• Ensure all kitchen equipment is maintained and used safely.

Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise, train, coach, and motivate the pastry team.
• Prepare work schedules and allocate daily responsibilities.
• Conduct on-the-job training and support colleague development.
• Participate in performance evaluations and succession planning.
• Foster teamwork and maintain a positive working environment.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain standardized recipes and production records.
• Prepare reports as requested by the Executive Chef.
• Ensure compliance with hotel policies, IHG brand standards, and local regulations.
• Participate in departmental meetings and continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma or Degree in Culinary Arts, Pastry Arts, or related field.
• Professional pastry certification is an advantage.
• HACCP or Food Safety Certification preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of pastry experience in hotels or international hospitality brands.
• At least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership pastry role.
• Experience in banquet production and high-volume hotel operations is preferred.
• Previous experience with IHG or an international hotel brand is an advantage.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of pastry, bakery, chocolate, and dessert production.
• Excellent creativity and artistic presentation skills.
• Strong leadership and team development abilities.
• Knowledge of food costing and inventory management.
• Understanding of HACCP and food safety standards.
• Excellent planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet production deadlines.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Computer literacy in Microsoft Office and kitchen management systems.

Additional Information

• Competitive salary that rewards hard work.
• Full uniform provided.
• Impressive room discounts.
• Access to some of the best training in the business.
• Well-being framework committed to supporting health, lifestyle, and workplace well-being.
• Equal employment opportunities provided without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.