Commis Pastry

The President Hotel; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

The President Hotel in Cape Town is seeking an experienced pastry assistant to join our busy kitchen. You will support senior pastry chefs with desserts, pastries and baked goods, while maintaining high standards of quality and presentation across a variety of service outlets.

We value attention to detail, food-safety knowledge and a disciplined work ethic. The role requires early shifts, weekends and public holidays, with opportunities to grow your pastry skills within a luxury hotel setting.

Qualifications

• Matric certificate (grade 12) and recognised culinary or pastry qualification.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in a professional pastry kitchen.
• Experience in a hotel, restaurant or high-volume pastry operation preferred.
• Knowledge of pastry preparation, baking techniques, ingredients and equipment.
• Ability to follow recipes, measure ingredients accurately and maintain portions and presentation.
• Understanding of food safety, HACCP and allergen management.
• Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn.
• Availability to work shifts, early mornings, weekends and public holidays.
• Professional grooming and disciplined approach to work.
• Updated CV with contactable references.

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 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.

Skills

Pastry kitchen experience

Dessert and baked goods prep

Follow recipes and portion control

Food safety and HACCP knowledge

Shift work availability

Education

Matric Certificate (Grade 12)

Recognised culinary or 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.