First Cook

Job Description

We invite you to join the world of hospitality at Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire as our new First Cook, Banquets. The First Cook, Banquets plays a key role in supporting pastry and bakery operations by preparing baked goods, desserts, and pastry items while maintaining consistency, presentation, and production standards.

Key Responsibilities

Pastry and Bakery Production

• Prepare and produce a variety of pastries, desserts, baked goods, breads, and other pastry items according to hotel recipes and established standards.
• Complete daily mise en place and production requirements for pastry and bakery operations.
• Accurately measure and prepare ingredients using established recipes, techniques, and production methods.
• Prepare creams, custards, fillings, sauces, mousses, batters, doughs, and other pastry components as required.
• Execute pastry items with consistent quality, portioning, texture, flavour, and presentation.
• Assist with the preparation and finishing of plated desserts, buffet desserts, amenities, and other food service requirements.
• Maintain knowledge of all pastry menu items, recipes, ingredients, preparation methods, and allergen considerations.
• Monitor product quality throughout production and service and communicate any concerns to the culinary leadership team.

Kitchen Operations

• Organize and maintain an efficient pastry workstation to support daily production and service requirements.
• Ensure proper rotation, labelling, storage, and handling of ingredients and finished products to minimize waste and spoilage.
• Follow established production schedules and prioritize tasks according to service requirements and departmental timelines.
• Assist with inventory management by communicating product shortages, quality concerns, and production requirements to culinary leadership.
• Ensure proper use, cleaning, and maintenance of pastry equipment, utensils, and work areas.
• Support opening and closing procedures for the pastry department.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and professional pastry production environment throughout the shift.

Quality and Presentation

• Ensure all pastry and bakery products meet established standards for quality, consistency, portioning, and presentation.
• Pay close attention to detail when finishing, decorating, plating, and presenting pastry items.
• Follow standardized recipes and production methods while maintaining consistency across all products.
• Apply proper temperature control, chilling, baking, cooling, and storage techniques to maintain product quality and food safety.
• Minimize product waste through accurate preparation, proper portioning, and effective use of ingredients.
• Assist with the development and execution of seasonal, specialty, and promotional pastry items as required.

Team Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with the team to ensure smooth and efficient department operations.
• Actively share ideas, opinions, and suggestions during daily shift briefings and production discussions.
• Communicate effectively with culinary leadership regarding production timelines, product availability, quality concerns, and service requirements.

Safety & Compliance

• Follow all kitchen policies, procedures, and service standards.
• Follow all food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards when handling, preparing, storing, and serving food.
• Ensure proper allergen awareness and prevention of cross-contact during pastry production.
• Follow proper temperature control, storage, labeling, and dating procedures for ingredients and finished products.
• Use pastry equipment, ovens, mixers, knives, and other kitchen tools safely and according to established procedures.
• Maintain a clean and sanitary workstation throughout production and service.

Qualifications

What will you bring to this role?

• Previous experience in a professional pastry or culinary environment required, with hotel, bakery, or high-volume food service experience considered an asset.
• Journeyperson/Red Seal certification or international equivalent required.
• Culinary or Pastry Arts diploma/certification required.
• Strong foundational knowledge of pastry and baking techniques, including doughs, batters, creams, custards, fillings, cakes, and dessert preparation.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to consistently execute recipes, production specifications, and presentation standards.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Highly responsible, reliable, organized, and able to manage multiple production priorities.
• Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced, high-volume pastry environment.
• Ability to work cohesively as part of a team while supporting and guiding fellow Culinary Colleagues.
• Ability to maintain consistent quality and productivity while meeting established production and service timelines.
• Ability to focus attention on guest needs while remaining calm, professional, and courteous at all times.
• Embrace the company brand promise and luxury in your role and in all your interactions.
• Foster an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and respected

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods during pastry preparation and production.
• Frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling of ingredients, equipment, and supplies.
• Ability to safely lift and carry items up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment with exposure to heat from ovens and other equipment.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks, including mixing, rolling, piping, decorating, and portioning, for extended periods.

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 and Marriott 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. We offer a competitive benefit program including medical, dental, vision, retirement savings and an employee and family assistance program.   

Our Values

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

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

Integrity:
We build trust through mutual respect and being authentic.​

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

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

Diversity & Inclusion

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

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

Accommodations: We encourage you to let us know if you require any accommodation through the application or recruitment process, and we will work with you to meet your needs. Persons who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application or interview process may contact, in confidence: [email protected]

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