Pastry Chef - Speciality Cakes

Placements24; Riverton (UT); On-site; USD 15,000 - 22,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation assistance

Professional development opportunities

Training opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Pastry Chef for a renowned luxury hotel in Upington, Northern Cape. You will lead the pastry section, create intricate cakes, source ingredients, and ensure top-quality desserts for weddings, banquets, and fine dining.

The role requires 4–6 years of pastry experience, strong artistic talent, and a HACCP-based approach to kitchen safety. You will collaborate with the Executive Chef to deliver show-stopping pastries and dessert stations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4–6 years as Pastry Chef with cake decorating focus.
• Formal culinary or pastry arts training preferred.
• Expertise in sugar work, chocolate craft, and decorations.
• Strong artistic talent and attention to detail in cake design.

Responsibilities

• Design, decorate, and prepare a range of specialty cakes and pastries for hotel events.
• Develop seasonal dessert menus incorporating pastry trends.
• Ensure highest quality and consistency across all pastries.
• Manage pastry kitchen inventory, ordering, and costs.
• Maintain strict hygiene, sanitation, and food safety standards (HACCP).
• Lead and train junior pastry staff, fostering teamwork.
• Collaborate with Executive Chef for menu integration.
• Uphold hotel standards for presentation and quality.
• Experiment with new ingredients to elevate offerings.
• Set up and present dessert buffets and displays.

Skills

Cake decorating

Creative pastry design

Team leadership

Food safety HACCP

Menu development

Education

Culinary or pastry arts training

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned luxury hotel in Upington, Northern Cape, is seeking a highly skilled and creative Pastry Chef specializing in intricate cake designs. This role is perfect for an artisan baker with a passion for creating exquisite desserts and show-stopping cakes for various hotel events, including weddings, banquets, and fine dining experiences. You will be responsible for the entire pastry section, from concept development and ingredient sourcing to meticulous preparation, decoration, and quality control. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional artistic talent, a deep understanding of pastry techniques, and the ability to manage a busy pastry kitchen while upholding the highest standards of quality and hygiene. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your creativity and contribute to the culinary excellence of a prestigious establishment in Upington. We are looking for someone who can elevate our dessert offerings and create unforgettable sweet experiences for our guests.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, prepare, and decorate a wide range of specialty cakes and pastries for various hotel events and outlets.
• Develop innovative and seasonal dessert menus, incorporating current pastry trends.
• Ensure the highest quality and consistency in all pastry preparations.
• Manage the pastry section inventory, including ordering ingredients and controlling costs.
• Maintain impeccable standards of hygiene, sanitation, and food safety in the pastry kitchen.
• Lead and train junior pastry staff, fostering a collaborative and efficient team environment.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef and other kitchen team members to ensure seamless menu integration.
• Uphold the hotel's standards for presentation and quality.
• Experiment with new ingredients and techniques to enhance the dessert offerings.
• Oversee the setup and presentation of dessert buffets and displays.

Requirements

• Minimum of 4-6 years of experience as a Pastry Chef, with a strong focus on cake decorating and specialty desserts.
• Formal culinary or pastry arts training from a recognized institution is highly desirable.
• Proven expertise in a variety of pastry techniques, including baking, decorating, sugar work, and chocolate craft.
• Exceptional artistic talent and attention to detail in cake design and presentation.
• Strong understanding of pastry science, ingredient functionality, and flavor profiles.
• Experience in managing a pastry kitchen and leading a team.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards (HACCP).
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Upington, Northern Cape.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to work in a high-end hotel environment in Upington, Northern Cape.
• Access to excellent facilities and resources.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Accommodation assistance may be considered.
• Creative freedom and the chance to showcase culinary artistry.