Durban Pastry Chef: Create Showpiece Desserts for Events

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary based on experience

Quality ingredients and modern baking

Professional development opportunities

Supportive team culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a talented Pastry Chef for our Durban catering kitchen, crafting exquisite desserts, pastries, breads and other baked goods for events. You will develop new recipes, ensure top quality ingredients and maintain presentation standards.

The ideal candidate has 4+ years in pastry, strong baking, sugar work, chocolate tempering and cake decorating skills, plus a flair for innovative dessert concepts and cost-aware recipe development.

Qualifications

• A formal culinary or pastry arts qualification is highly desirable.
• A minimum of 4 years of professional experience as a Pastry Chef, preferably within a high-volume catering or hospitality setting.
• Proficiency in a wide range of pastry techniques, including baking, sugar work, chocolate tempering, and cake decorating.
• Strong understanding of recipe development, costing, and ingredient sourcing.
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to work efficiently under pressure to meet event deadlines.
• A creative flair and a passion for creating visually stunning and delicious desserts.

Responsibilities

• Design, prepare, and execute a variety of pastries, cakes, desserts, breads, and other baked goods for catering events.
• Develop new and innovative dessert recipes, considering seasonal ingredients and current culinary trends.
• Manage pastry kitchen inventory, including ordering ingredients, controlling stock levels, and minimizing waste.
• Ensure all baked goods meet stringent quality, taste, and presentation standards before delivery or service.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary pastry station and kitchen environment, adhering to all food safety regulations.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef on menu planning and special dessert requests from clients.

Skills

Pastry skills

Baking

Cake decorating

Time management

Creativity

Education

Pastry arts qualification

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a talented Pastry Chef for our Durban catering kitchen, crafting exquisite desserts, pastries, breads and other baked goods for events. You will develop new recipes, ensure top quality ingredients and maintain presentation standards.

The ideal candidate has 4+ years in pastry, strong baking, sugar work, chocolate tempering and cake decorating skills, plus a flair for innovative dessert concepts and cost-aware recipe development.