Commis Pastry

The President Hotel; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 210,000 - 300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Company contributions toward benefits

Job summary

The President Hotel in Cape Town is seeking a skilled Pastry Cook to assist the pastry chefs in creating desserts, pastries, cakes and baked goods for our variety of outlets and events. You will prepare ingredients, follow recipes precisely and help with decorating and plating under supervision.

We value attention to detail, HACCP knowledge and a disciplined, team-focused approach. The role requires early shifts, weekends and public holidays, with opportunities to further develop pastry skills

Qualifications

• Matric and recognised pastry qualification required.
• Minimum 2 years in professional pastry kitchen.
• Hotel or high-volume pastry experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior pastry chefs with desserts, pastries, cakes and baked goods.
• Prepare ingredients and mise en place according to daily production.
• Follow recipes, measurements and portion controls.
• Decorate and plate pastry items under supervision.
• Support pastry production for restaurants, buffets, events.
• Maintain quality, freshness and presentation.
• Rotate and label ingredients, minimise waste.
• Keep workstations and equipment clean and organised.
• Follow HACCP, allergen-management and hygiene procedures.
• Report shortages or faults to senior chefs.
• Develop pastry skills through training and practice.
• Support wider kitchen team as needed.

Skills

Pastry production

Dessert preparation

Attention to detail

Kitchen hygiene

Time management

Teamwork

Safety & HACCP

Recipe following

Education

Matric (Grade 12)

Culinary pastry qualification

Job description

Minimum Requirements

• Matric Certificate (Grade 12).
• Recognised Culinary or Pastry qualification is essential.
• Minimum 2 years' relevant experience within a professional pastry kitchen.
• Previous experience within a hotel, restaurant or high-volume pastry operation is preferred.
• Experience within a busy 4-star or 5-star hotel is advantageous.
• Basic knowledge of pastry preparation, baking techniques, ingredients and kitchen equipment.
• Practical experience assisting with desserts, pastries, cakes and baked goods.
• Ability to follow recipes, measure ingredients accurately and maintain portion and presentation standards.
• Understanding of food safety, hygiene, HACCP and allergen management.
• Strong attention to detail, organisation and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work efficiently, follow instructions and support the pastry team during busy periods.
• Availability to work shifts, early mornings, weekends and public holidays.
• Professional grooming and a disciplined approach to work.
• Updated CV with contactable references.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist senior pastry chefs with preparing desserts, pastries, cakes and baked goods.
• Prepare ingredients and mise en place according to daily production requirements.
• Follow recipes, measurements, portion controls and presentation standards accurately.
• Assist with baking, assembling, decorating and plating pastry items under supervision.
• Support pastry production for restaurants, buffets, banqueting, conferences and special events.
• Maintain consistent quality, freshness and presentation.
• Store, label and rotate ingredients correctly while minimising waste.
• Keep workstations, utensils and pastry equipment clean and organised.
• Follow food safety, hygiene, HACCP and allergen-management procedures.
• Report ingredient shortages, equipment faults and quality concerns to senior chefs.
• Develop your pastry skills through training and practical experience.
• Support the wider kitchen team when required.

Why Join the President Hotel

Join Cape Town's Most Loved Hotel and be part of our journey toward luxury. Develop your pastry skills alongside experienced chefs while contributing to quality desserts and baked goods across a varied hotel operation.

We offer a competitive salary, company contributions toward benefits and an outstanding team culture where you can contribute, grow and feel part of the team.