Job Overview & Organization Mission

Direct pastry recipe development, artisan viennoiserie, and plated desserts across Merivale’s portfolio of premier hatted restaurants in Sydney.

Merivale is hiring a visionary Executive Pastry Chef to oversee pastry, dessert, and bakery innovation across our group venues. Operating from our state-of-the-art central production facility and restaurant kitchens in Sydney, you will invent delicate plated desserts, hand-laminated viennoiserie, bespoke wedding cakes, and artisan chocolates that captivate diners across the city.

As a key member of the team at Merivale in Sydney, NSW, you will play a central role in driving excellence, upholding top-tier Australian industry standards, and contributing directly to the strategic milestones of one of the nation’s premier employers.

Key Duties & Core Responsibilities

In this critical role, your operational duties and key performance responsibilities will encompass:

• Lead pastry: Lead pastry creation, recipe standardisation, and seasonal dessert menus for flagship dining venues.
• Direct central: Direct central patisserie production supplying hundreds of artisan croissants, pastries, and breads daily.
• Train and: Train and inspire a talented pastry brigade across tempering chocolate, sugar artistry, and modern baking.
• Manage pastry: Manage pastry ingredient procurement (Valrhona chocolate, organic flours, local dairy) and food cost targets.
• Ensure flawless: Ensure flawless presentation consistency and strict adherence to food safety hygiene standards.

Required Qualifications, Licenses & Experience

To be successful in this position at Merivale, candidates are expected to satisfy the following essential selection criteria:

• Mandatory Qualification: Certificate III/IV in Patisserie / Hospitality + International pastry arts experience.
• Relevant Experience: Minimum 6+ Years of verified industry experience in Australia or recognized overseas equivalence.
• 6+ years of senior pastry chef experience in 5-star hotels, hatted restaurants, or high-end patisseries.
• Exceptional technical mastery of French patisserie techniques, sourdough lamination, and chocolate tempering.
• Formal qualification in Patisserie / Baking (Certificate III/IV or prestigious European diploma).
• Strong team leadership, creativity, and commitment to culinary perfection.

Core Competencies & Key Technical Proficiencies

The successful applicant will possess demonstrated capabilities across the following domain skill sets:

Salary, Compensation & Employee Benefits

At Merivale, we understand that our people drive our achievements. An outstanding remuneration and wellbeing package is provided in line with Australian benchmarks:

• Competitive Remuneration: AU$130,000 – AU$155,000 per year + standard Australian Superannuation (11.5%).
• Salary $130,000 – $155,000 + performance bonus + superannuation.
• George Street Sydney location with cutting-edge kitchen equipment and pastry laboratories.
• 50% staff discount across all Merivale venues and hospitality brands.
• Leave Entitlements: 4 weeks annual leave (with 17.5% annual leave loading where applicable) plus 10 days paid personal/carer’s leave.
• Flexible Work: Progressive work-life balance options with supportive corporate culture and leadership development pathways.

About the Employer: Merivale

Merivale is renowned for extraordinary hospitality experiences, setting culinary and pastry standards across Australia.

Merivale is deeply committed to building diverse, equitable, and culturally inclusive work environments. We proudly celebrate diversity and welcome applications from all qualified individuals including First Nations Australians, people with disabilities, and candidates from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Application Process & Next Steps

Applications for this position are currently open and being reviewed on a rolling basis. Suitable candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible before the published closing date.

Please prepare an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a tailored Cover Letter highlighting your relevant experience against the key selection criteria outlined above.

To proceed with your application, click the Apply on Employer Site button to access the official Merivale careers gateway.