Pastry Chef at Sage Coffee Shop in Columbia, MO

About Us

Nestled in the heart of downtown Columbia, Sage brings the artistry of French pastry and handcrafted drinks to Missouri’s vibrant college town.

From delicate croissants to expertly crafted drinks, we honor authentic French techniques and exceptional ingredients. Our baristas, bakers, and pastry chefs bring care to everything we serve, making each visit worth savoring.

At Sage, we believe exceptional food and coffee begin with exceptional people. We're building a team of artisans who share our passion for quality, creativity, and hospitality. Together, we're bringing a taste of France to Columbia—one beautifully crafted pastry or coffee at a time.

Join Our Kitchen at Sage

At Sage, we believe that good food brings people together—and that thoughtfully made pastries can be just as memorable as the coffee they’re paired with. We’re building something special in Columbia, MO, and we’re looking for a talented Pastry Chef to join our team and help shape the next chapter of our café’s story.

If you find joy in lamination, care deeply about craft, and want to be part of a growing kitchen where details matter and creativity is welcomed, we’d love to meet you.

Job Description

As a Pastry Chef at Sage, you’ll take the lead on baking the pastries our guests look forward to each morning—croissants, scones, seasonal specials, and more. You’ll have the space to master your technique, contribute ideas, and bring your love of the craft to life in a setting that values consistency, collaboration, and care.

This is a hands-on, production-focused role for someone who wants to contribute meaningfully to a growing café brand. While leadership opportunities may develop down the road, this role starts with doing the work—and doing it beautifully.

Key Responsibilities

Masterful Execution of Baking Artistry

• Bring Sage’s pastry program to life each day through scratch baking and precise execution
• Work with laminated doughs, quick breads, and other baked goods from start to finish: mixing, shaping, proofing, baking, and finishing
• Follow and refine recipes while contributing your own creative flair to seasonal specials and new ideas
• Keep production on track with prep lists, timing, and focused attention

Quality and Presentation Champion

• Ensure every item that leaves the kitchen is consistent, fresh, and visually appealing
• Take pride in the small details—from clean cuts to perfect proofing
• Keep your space clean, organized, and ready for service each day

Product Care and Kitchen Stewardship

• Label, date, and store ingredients and finished items according to food safety standards
• Help manage inventory and ingredients using FIFO principles
• Embrace kitchen cleanliness and equipment care as part of the daily rhythm

Collaboration and Team Spirit

• Communicate clearly with café teammates and leadership to support a smooth service
• Step in to help as needed—we’re a team, and we lift each other up
• Show up ready to work with consistency, reliability, and heart

Qualifications

• Experience: 1–3 years of baking or pastry experience, formal or informal. If you’ve got lamination skills and passion, we want to see it.
• Craft: Solid knowledge of baking techniques and a desire to keep improving.
• Detail Orientation: You care deeply about the how, not just the what.
• Creativity: You're excited to contribute to new ideas and elevate what’s already working.
• Team Fit: Punctual, communicative, and energized by being part of something that’s growing.