Head Pastry Chef
About SAINT-JEAN Bakery
SAINT-JEAN Bakery was founded in 2021 on the Lindengracht in Amsterdam, as a modern bakery shaped by French, Scandinavian, and Dutch influences. Rooted in a fully plant-based approach, SAINT-JEAN brings together craftsmanship, quality ingredients, and a contemporary perspective on baking. From viennoiseries and pastries to seasonal be, everything is made in-house with a focus on flavour, precision, and consistency. Over time, the bakery has become a destination for both locals and visitors, drawn by its distinctive approach, daily rituals, and evolving seasonal offering.
About the Role
As the Head Pastry Chef at SAINT-JEAN, you will lead the pastry department, overseeing the full scope of viennoiserie and pastry production while driving creativity, consistency, and excellence across our offering.
You will be responsible for the development and execution of our pastry range, from signature baked goods to seasonal creations, ensuring each product reflects our standards in flavour, texture, and presentation. This role combines hands-on production with leadership, team development, and operational oversight.
Working closely with the Head of Bakery Operations, you will ensure alignment with the overall culinary vision while continuously refining processes and pushing creative boundaries within our plant-based approach.
Key Responsibilities
Pastry Creative Direction & Production
- Oversee the daily production of viennoiseries, pastries, and other baked goods
- Lead recipe development, seasonal pastries, and product innovation
- Maintain consistency and excellence across all pastry products
- Continuously refine techniques, flavour profiles, and presentation standards
Team Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and develop the pastry team
- Train and onboard new team members to SAINT-JEAN standards
- Foster a positive, structured, and collaborative kitchen environment
- Plan and elegate tasks to ensure smooth daily operations
Operations & Organization
- Follow production planning to meet demand while minimizing waste
- Oversee stock levels, and cost control
- Optimize workflows and processes to improve efficiency and quality
- Maintain a clean, organized, and well-functioning workspace
Quality & Compliance
- Ensure all products meet SAINT-JEAN quality benchmarks
- Uphold hygiene, food safety, and health regulations at all times
- Implement and maintain best practices across the pastry department
About You
- Extensive experience in pastry and viennoiserie production
- Strong leadership experience with the ability to guide and inspire a team
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail
- Quality-driven with a sharp eye for consistency and presentation
- Creative and forward-thinking, with a strong sense of flavour and seasonality
- Comfortable balancing hands-on production with management responsibilities
- Solution-oriented, proactive, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
- Strong communication skills and a collaborative mindset
- Experience with plant-based pastry is a plus, but not required
- Effective communicator, adaptable, and solution-oriented.
Availability
32-38 (full time) hours per week - flexible weekends
Start date: ASAP
What We Offer
At SAINT-JEAN, we believe great work thrives in a supportive, inspiring environment.
- Space for creativity and personal development
- Annual performance review & development plan
- Flexible scheduling (Monday–Sunday)
- Min. two consecutive days off per week
- Day shifts only (7–8 hours per day)
- Full time working week = 38hours
- Weekend surcharge payments
- Fixed hours employment contract
- 25 paid holidays per year (based of full time)
- Competitive salary & holiday allowance paid monthly
- Staff, friends & family discounts
- Regular team events & activities
SAINT-JEAN operates under the Bakery Collective Labour Agreement (CAO)
Mandatory participation in the Bakery Pension Plan.
APPLY FOR THE JOB
Do you want to join our team? Then we'd love to hear about you!