• Creativity to design new and unique menu items to attract customers
• Knowledge of how baking ingredients work together and how they can be used in creative ways
• Leadership skills to manage the pastry section and staff in a kitchen, including hiring the right staff and motivating workers in a high-stress environment
• Time management skills to deliver orders on schedule and avoiding wasting food
• Physical strength and stamina to spend long hours standing and performing repetitive motions
• Flexibility, since hours for a Pastry Chef may vary and include weekends, evenings and holidays