Pastry Sous Chef at The Modern

The Modern is a Michelin-starred contemporary American restaurant at the Museum of Modern Art. The restaurant features refined, unexpectedly playful dishes that highlight exceptional ingredients and seasonality in two distinct culinary experiences: a bold prix fixe menu in the dining room and an à la carte menu in the lively Bar Room. An extensive selection of wines showcases exceptional diversity and value in both classic and emerging regions. 

The Modern holds two Michelin stars, a Three Star review in the New York Times, four James Beard Awards, and the Grand Award from Wine Spectator.

 

Who you are:

In collaboration with the Pastry Chef, the Pastry Sous Chef is responsible for all pastry menu execution and development. The Pastry Sous Chef oversees a team of Pastry Cooks that are responsible for preparing high quality products in all areas of the pastry department. The Pastry Sous Chef should have an endless passion for desserts, a great attitude, and exceptional work ethic. Successful candidates require great efficiency and focus, good communication skills, a pleasant friendly attitude, and a strong passion for hospitality and growth.

What you'll do:

• Cultivate a culture of Enlightened Hospitality for all stakeholders that supports our business objectives and growth
• Ensure high performance and overall excellence & hospitality in the Pastry Department throughout each day’s specific service periods, ensure consistent execution of pastry offerings and timely flow of service
• Always maintain positive working relationships and clear communication with Kitchen & Service teams
• Ensure that all recipes, product, food preparations and food execution meet restaurant's specifications and commitment to culinary excellence
• Continuously provide support to all pastry staff and actively participate on the in line as needed
• Assists in food prep assignments and/or cooking during peak periods as needed and ensures that the team appropriately stocks and maintains sufficient levels of food products at line stations during service period
• Maintain a clean and stocked workplace, prep area, kitchen area, storage area and walk-in
• Consistently deliver a culture of Enlightened Hospitality to guests and team members
• Perform additional responsibilities as needed and other duties as assigned to support team objectives and operational success

What we need from you:

• 2+ years’ experience in a Pastry leadership position
• Certification in Hospitality-related field, or equivalent (preferred)
• An understanding of baking and pastry techniques, production and a basic understanding of how to use kitchen equipment
• Eagerness to learn and grow
• Positive demeanor, ability to give and take direction, and passion for the food industry
• Open availability
• English fluency and additional languages preferred, but not required

What you’ll get from us:

At Union Square Hospitality Group, extending Enlightened Hospitality is at the heart of everything we do. We believe our people are our greatest ingredient. Joining our team means becoming part of a culture rooted in care, creativity, and growth. As a Pastry Sous Chef, you’ll enjoy:

• Competitive pay and bonus potential: Annual compensation of $65,000 - $70,000 plus eligibility for a performance-based bonus, with consideration for your experience and impact
• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus flexible spending options for healthcare and dependent care
• Time to recharge: Generous paid time off and paid parental leave to support life outside of work
• Investing in your future: A matched 401(k) plan to help you grow long-term savings
• Peace of mind: Life insurance, employee assistance programs, and exclusive access to primary care, mental health, and other wellness services.
• Support in times of need: Access to the USHG HUGS Employee Relief Fund, offering direct assistance to team members facing unexpected hardship
• Dining Credit: An annual dining credit to enjoy exceptional meals and experiences at any of our restaurants 
• Dining Discount: A 51% dining discount across the entire USHG family of restaurants to share unforgettable meals with friends and loved ones 
• Convenience & flexibility: Pre-tax commuter benefits for transit and parking
• Growth and community: Opportunities for learning, mentorship, and collaboration with some of the most passionate people in hospitality.

Putting Enlightened Hospitality into Practice

Integral to our culture are our six behaviors. Our behaviors guide how we work together.

• We play to win with humble swagger. Hospitality is a team sport where everyone deserves an opportunity to thrive and belong
• Turn over the rocks and always be connecting dots to build uplifting experiences and relationships
• Center the salt shaker with an unwavering commitment to excellence and the values that matter most
• Write a great next chapter. The road to success is paved with mistakes well-handled
• Bring a charitable assumption and err on the side of generosity
• Leave our campsite better than we found it; always responsible for the impact of our wake

 

*The above represents the expected salary range for this position. Ultimately, in determining your pay, we'll consider your experience and other job-related factors.

The responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive. This role may be required to take on other duties or projects as necessary to support organizational goals, in alignment with their skills, experience, and the evolving needs of the business.