Executive Pastry Chef

Location: Baltimore, MD
Position Type: Full-Time
Reports To: Director of Operations & Ownership
Compensation: Competitive salary + benefits + growth opportunities

We are a growing, family-owned company built on craftsmanship, hospitality, and uncompromising quality. We produce artisanal gelato, pastries, and savory foods inspired by Italian tradition, using premium ingredients and small-batch production. As we expand into new café and bakery locations, we are seeking a highly skilled Executive Pastry Chef to lead and elevate our pastry program.

The Executive Pastry Chef is responsible for overseeing all pastry production across the company — including recipe development, production scheduling, kitchen systems, product consistency, and team leadership. This role is ideal for a seasoned pastry professional who thrives in a high-quality, from-scratch environment and is excited to help shape and grow an Italian-leaning pastry and savory program as Pitango continues to expand.

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  Oversee daily pastry production for all Pitango locations, ensuring quality, consistency, and efficiency.

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  Manage and mentor the pastry team; recruit, train, and develop staff as needed.

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  Create and maintain clear kitchen systems, SOPs, and production schedules.

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  Lead scaling from small-batch to multi-unit production while maintaining artisanal standards.

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  Ensure all recipes, processes, and product specs are documented and followed.

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  Innovate and develop pastries and savory items with an Italian influence, aligned with our brand and philosophy.

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  Collaborate with ownership on seasonal menus, new café offerings, and special projects.

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  Conduct R&D tastings, testing, and product rollouts for new items.

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  Maintain the highest standards for taste, presentation, and freshness across all products.

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  Oversee ingredient sourcing, working with vendors to ensure top-quality raw materials.

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  Ensure full compliance with health department regulations and food safety protocols.

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  Monitor waste, efficiency, and cost controls to support company financial goals.

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  Build and maintain production schedules that meet the needs of multiple locations.

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  Work closely with operations and logistics teams to coordinate daily output, deliveries, and inventory levels.

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  Maintain equipment, coordinate repairs, and ensure proper usage of all pastry tools and machinery.

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  Minimum 5–7 years of professional pastry experience, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.

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  Strong knowledge of Italian pastries, laminated doughs, custards, cakes, cookies, and breads.

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  Experience developing kitchen systems, production schedules, and efficient workflows.

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  Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

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  Ability to scale recipes, troubleshoot production issues, and maintain consistency.

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  A passion for quality, craftsmanship, and creating memorable guest experiences.

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  Comfortable working early mornings and adapting to the needs of a growing brand.

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  Competitive salary and benefits

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  Professional growth as Pitango opens new locations and expands its food program

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  Creative freedom within a collaborative team

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  Supportive company culture

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  Opportunity to make a meaningful mark on a rapidly growing Italian-forward pastry program