Trainee – Pastry

Job Summary

Based at Mandarin Oriental, Doha within the Culinary Department in Doha, the Trainee – Pastry is responsible for learning and supporting basic kitchen tasks under close supervision within the pastry kitchen. The role supports pastry production, banquets, amenities, gelato kitchen, QAQAW kitchen, buffet, and outlet dessert operations by ensuring that desserts, cakes, pastries, plated desserts, amenities, buffet items, gelato products, and specialty sweets are prepared and delivered in accordance with established recipes, quality standards, and food safety requirements. Working under the guidance of senior chefs, the position contributes to developing core culinary skills, professional discipline, and understanding of hotel kitchen standards. The Trainee – Pastry is expected to maintain high standards of hygiene, organization, teamwork, and flexibility while supporting operational requirements according to business needs.

Key Responsibilities

Assist with basic preparation tasks for desserts, cakes, pastries, plated desserts, amenities, buffet items, gelato products, and specialty sweets under the close supervision of senior chefs.
Support daily mise en place by washing, peeling, portioning, organizing, and preparing ingredients as instructed.
Observe and learn correct handling of kitchen tools, equipment, ingredients, and basic production methods.
Maintain cleanliness and organization of assigned work areas in accordance with hotel hygiene standards.
Follow food safety, personal hygiene, and grooming requirements at all times.
Assist with receiving, labeling, storing, and rotating ingredients under supervision.
Support production, banquets, amenities, gelato kitchen, QAQAW kitchen, and outlet dessert operations according to business needs when required by business needs.
Attend briefings, trainings, and practical learning sessions to build technical and operational knowledge.
Communicate respectfully with colleagues and follow instructions from supervisors.
Demonstrate punctuality, positive attitude, and willingness to learn Mandarin Oriental standards.

Job Specifications

Education & Experience

Suitable for candidates who are passionate about hospitality and culinary arts and wish to develop their skills in a professional luxury hotel environment.
Previous culinary or hospitality experience is an advantage but not essential.
High School qualification or equivalent preferred.
Basic food hygiene certification is an advantage.

Skills & Requirements

Basic interest in culinary operations and willingness to learn professional kitchen standards.
Ability to follow instructions carefully and complete assigned tasks with supervision.
Understanding of basic hygiene, grooming, and safe food handling practices.
Positive attitude, punctuality, and readiness to support the team during service periods.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment while building confidence and technical knowledge.
Good verbal communication skills in English; additional languages are an advantage.
Physically able to stand for long periods and support basic kitchen tasks.
Flexible to work different shifts, weekends, and public holidays as required.

Culinary Trainee - Pastry