Executive Pastry Chef at Sofitel in Calgary, Alberta, CA

Company Description

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts

Join a dynamic team and be part of a network of 90 spectacular properties, and 34 more in the pipeline, in 30 countries around the globe. Our properties are located from the beaches of Hawaii, to the unspoiled national parks of Canada, to the heart of London, to the deserts of the United Arab Emirates.

Fairmont Palliser | A Legacy of Excellence, A Future of Possibility

For over a century, Fairmont Palliser has stood as Calgary’s most iconic hotel—a symbol of timeless elegance, heartfelt hospitality, and deep community roots. Since opening in 1914, we have welcomed dignitaries, trailblazers, and generations of guests with impeccable service and unforgettable experiences.

Our story is woven into the fabric of Calgary’s history, and our people are at the heart of it all. At Fairmont Palliser, we believe in creating a workplace where tradition meets innovation, where careers are cultivated, and where everyone is empowered to thrive. Whether you are just beginning your journey in hospitality or bringing years of experience to the table, here you will find a team that values connection, excellence, and purpose.

Join us in delivering elevated experiences and be part of a legacy that continues to shape the future of hospitality in Calgary.

About the Application Process:

At Fairmont, we want to bring out your highest potential. Shortly after applying, you will receive an email from our partner AssessFirst prompting you to create a profile and complete a questionnaire. This is a mandatory step for your candidacy to be considered as it enables us to explore your compatibility with this role and our culture of luxury excellence.

Job Description

We invite you to join the world of luxury hospitality at Fairmont Palliser as our new Executive Pastry Chef. Inspire and create the grandest experience for our guest, clients and colleagues every day. Create cutting edge and high end pastries for our food and beverage outlets and event spaces. Create for yourself a career and develop within a world class hotel operation. Reporting to the Executive Chef.

Key Responsibilities

Operation Leadership:

• Lead the daily operation of the Pastry kitchen, working closely with other Food & Beverage leaders and all culinary departments to create high-end products and experiences for our guests and colleagues
• Maintain an active presence on the floor, coaching and supporting colleagues, ensuring the pastry team has the skills and tools to deliver excellent products and experiences
• Develop new dessert, pastry and bread products for all venues and events, ensuring all offerings are current and in line with food trends
• Ensure the pastry department follows all Company policies, procedures and values

Guest Experience:

• Monitor guest feedback, online reviews, and social media channels to identify trends and opportunities for improvement
• Ensures guest satisfaction goals are met and comfortable engaging with guests, clients and media
• Comfortable and confident in media and public appearances
• Ensures special requests and preferences are handled properly and professionally
• Represents the Fairmont Palliser at external events

Team Leadership & Engagement:

• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, to provide clear direction to the pastry team, with the support of production lists, Standard Operating Procedures, recipes, photos, etc
• Maintain colleague engagement with the entire culinary and stewarding team. Promoting teamwork between the kitchen and all other departments.
• Promote a positive workplace culture, focused on engagement, accountability, and recognition
• Recruitment, training and development of the pastry team

Financial Performance:

• Maintain payroll costs and productivity within budgeted guidelines
• Support budgeted food cost by proper costing, inventory control and purchasing
• Build strong relationships with local vendors and sources the best quality products for the best price
• Support promotional initiatives, activations, and marketing campaigns that drive business growth

Food & Health Safety:

• Ensure the pastry department follows all food safety and sanitation Food Safety standards daily and provides coaching and training to the pastry team
• Maintain a safe and clean work environment and ensures that all Health & Safety standards are met, procedures followed and that colleagues have the knowledge and tools to work safely
• Support sustainability initiatives, waste reduction programs, and environmental stewardship practices

Qualifications

What will you bring to this role?

• Five years of pastry experience and minimum of 2-3 years of leadership experience with Journeyman’s papers and valid trade qualifications
• Must be flexible in scheduling to accommodate business demands
• Strong knowledge and skills in custom wedding cakes
• Strong knowledge in artisan bread making
• Experience working with guests, clients and media in public areas
• Awareness of new trends in presentation and preparation of food, particularly plated restaurant style desserts
• Strong leadership and organizational skills
• Strong media presence
• Able to work in a fast-paced, high-volume Pastry shop
• Energetic, self-motivated, out-going, team-player

Additional Information

Employee Benefits:

Join our team and enjoy a range of exclusive colleague perks, including complimentary upgrades, extended stays, discounted stays across Fairmont & Raffles properties, special dining and wellness discounts, and added luxuries to enhance your experience. We believe in taking care of our team, ensuring that your hard work is rewarded with exceptional benefits. Comprehensive benefits package including health, paramedical, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage for eligible employees. Company-matched pension plan, as well as RRSP & TFSA options. Complimentary meal in staff cafeteria during shifts.

Our Values

Respect:

We value the needs, ideas and individuality of others. We treat everyone with fairness and dignity.

Excellence:

We make genuine connections, and we cherish every opportunity to make the people around us feel special.​

Belonging:

We celebrate our differences. We support each other and we always stand together.​

Empowerment:

We have authority to take initiative and anticipate moments that create unforgettable experiences. ​

Integrity:

We build trust through mutual respect and being authentic.​

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:

Fairmont is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diverse talent thrives. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds to join our team.

Must be legally eligible to work in Canada. The hotel is unable to assist candidates in obtaining Canadian work authorization.