Carolina Farm Trust Pastry Sous Chef Cornelius, NC · Full time Company website

Apply for Pastry Sous Chef

JOB TYPE: Full-Time, Exempt 

REPORT TO: Executive Pastry Chef 

Job Title: Pastry Sous Chef

About Carolina Farm Trust: 

Carolina Farm Trust is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening local food systems through farmer support, increased food access, and community-centered food initiatives. Our culinary team is vital to this mission, transforming sustainably sourced, locally grown ingredients into nourishing, delicious meals that directly support the communities we serve. 

Position Overview: 

We are looking for a talented and passionate Pastry Sous Chef to join our growing culinary team. This role will support the execution of high-quality, seasonal pastries and baked goods, contribute to community meals and events, and collaborate across departments to promote food equity and sustainability. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Develop and execute a rotating menu of seasonal pastries and baked goods featuring local ingredients. 
• Develop, train, and mentor new hires. 
• Ability to manage a team of 6 to 8 people effectively. 
• Ability to move in a fast-paced, ever-growing, and changing environment.
• Support the Executive Pastry Chef in daily kitchen operations, including prep, ordering, and inventory management. 
• Assist in planning and producing food for community meals, pop-ups, and nonprofit events.
• Collaborate with the culinary and farm teams to minimize food waste and fully utilize fresh ingredients. 
• Work independently and efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Maintain high standards of food quality, safety, and cleanliness. 
• Apply basic math skills for portioning, scaling recipes, and inventory control. 
• Provide guidance and training to team members, volunteers, or interns as needed.
• Ability to handle product forecasting, including weekly KPI’s and P&L’s.
• Ability to speak with clients on a weekly basis. 
• Ability to help in all facets, including capturing content and changing shifts. 

Qualifications: 

• 3-5 years of professional pastry/baking experience in a restaurant, hotel, or culinary nonprofit setting. 
• Baking & Pastry Degree preferred or equivalent experience. 
• Strong interpersonal, time management, and organizational skills. 
• Creative approach to recipe and menu development. 
• Ability to work independently and under pressure, managing deadlines with attention to detail. 
• Strong physical stamina to stand for long periods and perform repetitive tasks.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. 
• A deep passion for food justice, sustainability, and community-driven work.
• Ability to lift up to 100 pounds. 
• Strong communication and leadership skills are required. 

Education & Licensing Requirements: 

• Culinary school degree (preferred) or significant hands-on pastry experience.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary 
• Health, dental, vision, and life insurance 
• Paid vacation and holidays to encourage work-life balance 
• Opportunity to work in a mission-driven, community-focused environment
• Access to local produce and participation in sustainable food initiatives 

To Apply: 

Please upload your resume and portfolio (if available).

Carolina Farm Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We value and celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members.