Pastry Chef

Pastry Chef Purple Onion Catering Company Washington, DC Area Full-Time Mostly mornings, some afternoons, nights & weekends Purple Onion Catering Company is an award-winning, full-service catering company built on the core values of Kindness, Care, and Elevate.

We are seeking a Pastry Chef to oversee our pastry program, lead and train team members, and execute high-quality desserts for events, tastings, and menus.

This role is ideal for a pastry professional who leads by example, values accountability, and is passionate about building a strong kitchen culture.

Key ResponsibilitiesLead and manage the pastry section with a calm, respectful, and accountable leadership stylePrepare, bake, finish, pack, and execute all desserts and pastries for events and tastingsTrain and mentor culinary team members on pastry techniques, execution, and presentationHelp create, test, and refine dessert menus and new conceptsMaintain high standards for food quality, cleanliness, and organizationSupport off-site events as needed and assist with complex or custom productionsCollaborate closely with the Executive Chef and kitchen leadershipUphold food safety, sanitation, and health department standards at all timesMinimize waste and support efficient production through proper planning and organization Qualifications3+ years of experience in a professional kitchen1+ year of catering, banquet, or high-volume production experienceStrong pastry fundamentals (scaling, mixing, baking, decorating, finishing)Proven ability to train and lead others with intention and accountabilityReliable transportation; valid driver’s license preferredAbility to lift up to 50 lbs and stand for extended periodsComfortable working early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays as neededBilingual a plus, but not required Compensation & BenefitsCompetitive salary starting at $60,000 DOEPaid time off, sick pay, and six paid holidaysLeadership development opportunitiesStaff meals on shifts over 8 hoursSupportive, growth-focused culinary team Application Instructions (Required) Please email the following to :Your resumeTwo professional referencesA one-page written response to one of the prompts below Applications without the written response will not be considered.

Choose one prompt and respond in no more than one page.Culture & Leadership What does a healthy kitchen culture mean to you as a pastry chef?

Share an example of how you’ve actively contributed to or improved culture while still holding your team accountable for performance.Accountability Under Pressure Tell us about a situation where a pastry-related mistake or breakdown occurred before an event or service.

How did you address it with your team, and what systems or training did you put in place to prevent it from happening again?

Job Type: Full-time Pay: $60,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year Benefits:401(k) matchingDental insuranceFood providedHealth insurancePaid time offRelocation assistanceVision insurance Work Location: In person