Pre-Opening Bakery & Café Opportunity

We're seeking an experienced and passionate Head Pastry Chef to join the opening team of a new bakery/coffee shop currently preparing to launch in South Yarra.

Candidates must have a minimum of 4-5 years of pastry chef experience to be considered for this Head Pastry Chef role as well as 3-5 years team leadership experience.

This is a rare opportunity to play a key role from the ground up — helping shape the pastry program, establish production systems, and lead the kitchen through pre-opening and into initial service.

The role has a strong focus on viennoiserie and laminated pastry production, alongside a refined range of sweet and savoury offerings.

Expert level proficiency in viennoiserie and laminated pastry production is essential for this position.

About the Role

Current Australian work authorisation is required at the time of application.

Working closely with the ownership team, you will be involved in both the creative and operational side of the pastry program, with an emphasis on consistency, efficiency, and sustainable production systems.

This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who enjoys building structure, refining processes, and setting a strong foundation for a new venue.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead daily viennoiserie and pastry production
- Execute and refine laminated dough production to a high standard




- Support recipe development and product refinement
- Assist with structured product testing and trials
- Help establish efficient prep and bake schedules
- Develop clear and production-friendly workflows
- Work collaboratively on menu refinement and simplification where required
- Set and maintain consistency, quality, and kitchen organisation standards
- Provide guidance and support to the pastry team during opening operations

About You

- Proven experience in a senior pastry or bakery role
- Robust viennoiserie and lamination experience is essential
- Highly organised with strong production and time-management skills
- Able to balance quality, efficiency, and consistency in a fast-paced environment
- Calm, collaborative, and solutions-focused approach
- Experience in pre-opening environments is highly regarded but not essential
- Passion for thoughtful, well-executed bakery production without unnecessary complexity

What We Offer

- Opportunity to help shape a new bakery from the beginning
- Creative input into systems, workflow, and menu development
- Supportive and collaborative working environment
- Full-time stable position with long-term growth potential

Start date 15th of October

If you are passionate about laminated pastry, precision, and building something special from the ground up, we would love to hear from you with a cover letter and resume

📌 Head Pastry Chef (South Yarra)
🏢 Cultus
📍 South Yarra