Creative Pastry Lead: Desserts & Menu Innovation

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 460,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Gauteng seeks a Creative Pastry Chef to lead dessert and pastry, blending artistry with operations in a high-end catering setting. You will design menus, craft pastry masterpieces, and oversee quality and presentation across events.

You will manage day-to-day pastry production, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with the Head Chef and event planners to deliver memorable dining experiences while ensuring food safety and profitability.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of professional pastry chef experience in high-end catering or hotel.
• Strong portfolio of pastry skills including intricate cake decoration, viennoiserie, chocolates, and plated desserts.
• Formal culinary or pastry arts qualification from a recognized institution.
• In-depth knowledge of baking principles and advanced pastry techniques.
• Experience in menu development, costing, and inventory management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple tasks efficiently, and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong understanding of food safety and hygiene standards.
• Creative flair and a passion for delivering exceptional dessert experiences.
• Flexibility to work varying shifts, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute innovative and visually stunning dessert menus and pastry creations for all catered events.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the pastry section, including preparation, baking, decorating, and plating of all dessert items.
• Maintain strict quality control and consistency in all pastry products, adhering to recipes and presentation standards.
• Manage inventory of pastry ingredients, supplies, and equipment, ensuring proper storage and minimizing waste.
• Train, mentor, and supervise junior pastry chefs and kitchen staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
• Collaborate with the Head Chef and event planners to create customized dessert solutions for specific client needs and event themes.
• Ensure adherence to all food safety, hygiene, and sanitation regulations within the pastry kitchen.
• Cost control for pastry ingredients and menu items to ensure profitability while maintaining quality.
• Stay abreast of the latest trends and techniques in pastry and dessert making, incorporating them into new menu development.
• Participate in tasting sessions and client consultations to present and finalize dessert offerings.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Menu development

Costing

Inventory management

Creativity

Baking techniques

Plated desserts

Education

Culinary or Pastry qualification

Job description

Placements24 in Gauteng seeks a Creative Pastry Chef to lead dessert and pastry, blending artistry with operations in a high-end catering setting. You will design menus, craft pastry masterpieces, and oversee quality and presentation across events.

You will manage day-to-day pastry production, mentor junior staff, and collaborate with the Head Chef and event planners to deliver memorable dining experiences while ensuring food safety and profitability.