A world class luxury resort located in the heart of the Whitsundays is seeking an experienced and passionate Executive Pastry Chef to lead their pastry operation. This is a unique opportunity to work in a five star luxury environment where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the success of the pastry team, working closely with the Executive Chef to deliver exceptional quality, consistency, and guest satisfaction. If you have ten or more years of experience in pastry, strong leadership skills, and a passion for creativity and innovation, this full time role offers the chance to live and work in a tropical island paradise with world class colleague facilities and extensive career development opportunities. You will lead and inspire the pastry team, ensuring high standards across production, hygiene, training, and financial performance, while contributing to memorable guest experiences and a high performing kitchen culture.
Company Overview
IHG Hotels and Resorts is one of the world’s leading hotel companies with around 350,000 colleagues working across more than 100 countries. InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef immerses guests in the wonders of the Whitsundays, offering a five star luxury environment with amazing career growth opportunities, professional training and development, and a one of a kind experience living and working in a tropical island paradise. The resort is dedicated to providing True Hospitality for Good, and the team is committed to creating unforgettable experiences for every guest.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the Executive Chef in ensuring a productive, motivated, and well trained Pastry team.
- Assist with workforce planning, recruitment, onboarding, and structured orientation programs.
- Coach, mentor, and provide constructive feedback through performance appraisals, probation reviews, and daily leadership.
- Identify training needs and implement targeted development programs for continuous skill improvement.
- Foster open communication, positive team relationships, and effective, efficient rostering aligned with business needs.
- Ensure the hygienic and safe preparation of food in full compliance with HACCP and Workplace Health and Safety standards.
- Maintain strict adherence to standard recipe cards, portion control, and waste minimisation.
- Oversee correct receiving, storage, rotation, and quality of all pastry ingredients and products.
- Liaise with Engineering to plan and manage preventative maintenance for pastry equipment.
- Deliver regular HACCP, WHS, induction, and refresher training for the pastry team.
- Conduct and lead weekly and monthly departmental meetings.
- Manage Pastry Production operations to achieve optimal departmental profitability and quality outcomes.
- Control stock levels, ordering, and inventory in line with occupancy forecasts and business demand.
- Support labour planning and scheduling within budget and industrial legislation requirements.
- Oversee special events, promotions, banquets, and bespoke dessert requirements to the highest standard.
- Collaborate with Head Chefs and Banquets to create, cost, and maintain innovative pastry recipes.
- Maintain strong product knowledge, industry awareness, and adaptability to current pastry trends.
Qualifications
Ten or more years of experience in pastry is required, with strong communication skills that make it easy for colleagues and leaders to approach you with feedback. The ability to solve problems under pressure will help turn challenges into opportunities. Strong reading, writing, and basic math skills are required to support recipe execution and kitchen operations. Physical fitness and flexibility are essential, as the role requires standing for most of the day, lifting and moving items, and working across a variety of shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays. Appropriate Australian working rights are required for this role.
Benefits and Perks
This full time ongoing position offers a competitive annual salary ranging from AUD 90,000 to AUD 95,000 depending on experience. World class colleague facilities include excellent subsidised villa accommodation with a dedicated pool, beach area, two gyms, bar, buffet diner, laundry, movie room, corner store, and sports fields. An exciting and ever changing colleague activities calendar includes tennis, yoga, meditation, hikes, markets, crafts, and much more. Extensive career development opportunities are available with dedicated onsite trainers, professional growth opportunities including multi hire programs, skills training, and optional courses. IHG Australia’s myBenefits program includes paid birthday leave, wellbeing hub, employee room rates, service recognition celebrations, and the myPerks platform with an extensive list of lifestyle and retail discounts from over 400 of Australia and New Zealand’s most popular retailers.
How to Apply
Qualified candidates who meet the requirements and are ready to lead a world class pastry team in a tropical island paradise are encouraged to apply. Please visit the Careers page for InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef for further information regarding living and working on Hayman Island, including accommodation types, facilities, and frequently asked questions. You can also learn more by following their social channels on Facebook via ICHIRcareers and Instagram via ihg_australia_careers. If you don’t quite meet every single requirement but still believe you would be a great fit, start your journey today by hitting the Apply button. Join a team where your passion for pastry and leadership will create unforgettable experiences for guests from around the world. Your next adventure awaits.