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Pastry Chef - The Watermark

B. F. Saul Company Hospitality Group is a subsidiary of the largest private real estate company in the Washington, D.C. area, and has been in operation for over 130 years. The Hospitality Group operates a portfolio of more than 20 business class hotels with top brands from Intercontinental Hotel Groups, Marriott International, Hilton, and Best Western Hotels: along with The Watermark Hotel, The Hay-Adams Hotel, and Perch Putt. These properties are operated by a team of more than 1,000 enthusiastic hospitality professionals! 



The WREN Story

 

Wren’s story begins with its name. Meaning “love” in Japanese, it is a nod to the country and culture that plays a significant role in the bar and restaurant’s spirit. When referring to the bird, “wren” evokes a friendly, bubbly energy that perfectly captures the establishment’s warmth and effervescence. Inspired by the Japanese concept of Izakaya, Wren is a space for guests to comfortably gather and connect while sharing good food, drink and companionship. Chef Yo Matsuzaki draws upon locally-grown ingredients to present guests with sophisticated but approachable cuisine that fuses Japanese street food with modern American elements. From perfectly shucked oysters and expertly-cut sashimi to dishes such as baby beet salad with yuzu pistachio vinaigrette or grilled “Mishima” wagyu steak, the menu celebrates the best of both cultures. To complete the experience, bartenders serve meticulously curated cocktails and locally crafted beer and wine that, for anyone interested, can be expertly paired with the cuisine. From start to finish, whether dropping in for happy hour, lingering over a long, romantic dinner, or topping off an evening at the theater with a nightcap, Wren is a unique destination that offers exceptional dining without pretense and a true gathering place for all.


The Pastry Chef works closely with the Executive Chef Yo Matsuzaki to ensure the culinary department operates effectively, including adherence to health regulations. Oversees and directs all aspects of pastry productions for all hotel outlets, providing functional assistance and direction, and coordinates functions and activities with other Food & Beverage department heads, in co-operation with Executive Chef.   Effective management of assigned staff to ensure achievement of overall financial results, guest satisfaction and positive team members relations.


B. F. Saul Company Hospitality Group invites you to take your career to the next level! As a leading Owner and Management Company in the Hospitality Industry, our commitment to our team is in our “One Team!” values. Our integrated approach in obtaining top talent ensures key players who are committed to their professional and personal development represent our hotels, have a sound understanding of the industry, and possess significant attributes to enhance our culture. Joining our team says you are committed to guest satisfaction and promise to uphold the highest level of integrity.


Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Supervise all pastry personnel through guiding, counseling, and training them in the proper performance of their duties.
  • Plan and develop dessert and amenity menus for the hotel, ensure the correct preparation and presentation of a consistent level for all food items prepared through production and demonstration.
  • Supervise all phases of pastry production for the a la carte, catering, private dining, and bar outlets.
  • Maintain and strictly abide by state sanitation/health regulations and hotel requirements.  
  • Maintain complete knowledge of correct maintenance and use of equipment, properly and safely.
  • Meet with the Executive Chef to review assignments, anticipated business levels, changes and other information pertinent to the job performance.
  • Inspect the cleanliness and working conditions of all tools, equipment and supplies.
  • Check production schedule and par.
  • Prepare all menu items following recipes and yield guides, according to departmental standards.
  • Inform the Executive Chef of any foreseeable shortages before items run out.
  • Inform the Food & Beverage service staff of 86’d items and the amount of available menu specials throughout the meal period.
  • Maintain proper storage procedures as specified by Health Department and hotel requirements.
  • Minimize waste and maintain controls to attain forecasted food cost.


Qualifications:
  • To perform this job successfully an individual must be able to perform each essential duty to a satisfactory standard. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education:   High School diploma or equivalent vocational training certificate; certification of culinary training or apprenticeship preferred; Sanitation and Hygiene Certificate required.
 
License/Certification: Serve Safe Certification required or able to obtain it.
 
Experience: Should have a minimum of 3-5 Years of experience as an Assistant Pastry Chef or Pastry Chef in a luxury environment.
 
Basic Expectations: Demonstrates knowledge of all culinary skills and operations. Be able to plan and prepare for catering and special events. Be able to prepare and also train culinary staff of such basic items like preparation, presentation of foods such as salads, sauces, soups, butchering, etc. Experience in cold and hot prepared foods for buffets, and basic pastry knowledge.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Responsible for managing the Kitchen environment. Includes line cooks, pantry, and pastry staff. Assist in training, planning, assign work; addressing complaints and resolving problems, and promoting department Standard of Excellence.
 
Language Skills:  Must have good working knowledge of the English language ability to read and comprehend instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to communicate in English with guests, co-workers and management to their understanding. Ability to communicate in a second language is a plus.
 
Mathematical Skills:  Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios and proportions to practical situations. Ability to perform these operations using units of American weight measurements, volume and distance.

Reasoning Ability:  Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out detailed but uninvolved written or oral instructions. Ability to deal with problems involving a few concrete variables in standardized situations. Ability to perform job functions with minimal supervision. Ability to work cohesively with co-workers as part of a team. Basic computer skills.

Physical Ability:  While performing the duties of this job the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk and sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 20-30 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

EEO AA M/F/Vet/Disabled


Benefits:
  • Well-Being Benefits:
  • Health Insurance
  • Dental & Vision Insurance
  • Short & Long Term Disability
  • Vacation Policy

  • Long Term Planning:
  • 401(k) Retirement Program
  • Paid Life Insurance
  • Tuition Reimbursement

  • Team Member Programs:
  • Our Big 3 Mission Statement Leaders of the Month/Year
  • Annual Performance Appraisals and Wage Increase Opportunities
  • Annual Team Member Banquets
  • Annual Team Member Engagement Survey
  • Discounted Room Rates for Team Members, Family and Friends
  • Complimentary Room Stays
  • Weekly Payroll
  • Complimentary Parking


B. F. Saul Company Hospitality Group is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring diverse professionals.


Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

Average salary estimate

$60000 / YEARLY (est.)
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$50000K
$70000K

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What You Should Know About Pastry Chef - The Watermark, B.F. Saul Company Hospitality Group

Are you passionate about creating delightful dessert experiences? Join The Watermark in Tysons, Virginia as a Pastry Chef! In this vibrant culinary team, you will work closely with Executive Chef Yo Matsuzaki to design, prepare, and perfect a variety of mouthwatering pastries and desserts that complement our unique menu. At The Watermark, we prioritize quality and creativity, drawing inspiration from locally grown ingredients and Japanese culinary traditions. As a Pastry Chef, your role is diverse: you'll supervise and mentor a talented pastry team while ensuring adherence to stringent health regulations. Together, you'll craft exceptional desserts and coordinate with other Food & Beverage departments to ensure a seamless dining experience. Emphasizing guest satisfaction and supportive team relationships, you will take the lead in managing production schedules and maintaining the kitchen environment. The Watermark is more than just a place to work; it’s a community of enthusiastic hospitality professionals dedicated to excellence. We invite you to bring your creativity, passion, and expertise to our team, where your contributions will be valued and celebrated. With our commitment to professional development, your career can flourish in this dynamic and enabling environment. If you’re ready to elevate your culinary journey while crafting memorable moments for our guests, we can’t wait to meet you!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Pastry Chef - The Watermark Role at B.F. Saul Company Hospitality Group
What are the responsibilities of a Pastry Chef at The Watermark?

As a Pastry Chef at The Watermark, your responsibilities include supervising pastry staff, planning dessert menus, and ensuring the highest quality in pastry production for the hotel's various dining outlets. You'll work closely with Executive Chef Yo Matsuzaki to maintain compliance with health regulations and foster a collaborative kitchen environment.

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What qualifications do I need to apply for the Pastry Chef position at The Watermark?

For the Pastry Chef position at The Watermark, you should have a High School diploma or equivalent, with culinary training and a Sanitation and Hygiene Certificate required. A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in a luxury culinary environment as either an Assistant Pastry Chef or Pastry Chef is also expected.

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How does The Watermark ensure quality in pastry production?

At The Watermark, quality is ensured through rigorous supervision by the Pastry Chef, adherence to state sanitation and health regulations, and continuous training and development of the pastry team. You will also oversee the preparation and presentation of desserts, ensuring consistency and excellence in every dish.

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What opportunities for professional development are available for Pastry Chefs at The Watermark?

The Watermark is committed to the professional growth of its team. As a Pastry Chef, you can expect annual performance appraisals, opportunities for wage increases, and programs for further culinary education, such as tuition reimbursement, to enhance your skills and career progression.

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What does a typical day look like for a Pastry Chef at The Watermark?

A typical day for a Pastry Chef at The Watermark involves overseeing pastry production for a la carte menus, special events, and private dining. You will manage staff, ensure proper inventory and sanitation practices, and collaborate with other departments to ensure a seamless service. Creativity, organization, and passion for dessert making are key in your daily responsibilities.

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Common Interview Questions for Pastry Chef - The Watermark
What inspired you to become a Pastry Chef?

Share your personal journey and passion for pastry. Highlight experiences that sparked your love for desserts, whether through family traditions, culinary school, or mentorship.

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How do you ensure quality control in pastry production?

Explain your approach to maintaining high standards, like thorough recipe adherence, regular taste tests, and staff training to consistently deliver delicious desserts.

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Can you describe your experience with menu planning for desserts?

Discuss how you approach developing seasonal or theme-based dessert menus, incorporating local ingredients, while ensuring variety and guest appeal.

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How do you handle kitchen stress, especially during busy service times?

Talk about techniques you use to stay focused, such as prioritizing tasks, effective communication with your team, and maintaining a positive attitude even under pressure.

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What techniques do you use for training your pastry team?

Describe your training methods, including hands-on demonstrations, clear communication of expectations, and fostering a collaborative learning environment.

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How do you approach sourcing ingredients for your desserts?

Explain your process for sourcing high-quality ingredients, whether it’s from local markets or trusted suppliers, and how it influences your dessert creations.

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What is your favorite dessert to create and why?

Share a specific dessert you enjoy making, including techniques involved and personal stories that connect you to that dish, illustrating your creativity and passion.

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How would you handle a negative guest review regarding a dessert?

Discuss the importance of feedback, your strategy for addressing guest concerns, and how you would implement changes to avoid recurrence of the issue.

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Describe a time when you had to resolve a conflict in the kitchen.

Provide an example of a situation where effective communication and teamwork helped resolve an issue, emphasizing your conflict resolution skills.

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What trends in pastry are you excited to explore?

Talk about current trends you find innovative, such as alternative ingredients or presentation styles, and how you plan to incorporate them into your work.

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MATCH
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HQ LOCATION
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EMPLOYMENT TYPE
Full-time, on-site
DATE POSTED
March 17, 2025

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