Executive Master Pastry Chef — Cape Town Desserts Leader

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 800,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary package

Accommodation allowance

Relocation assistance

Hotel/service discounts

Training and development

Job summary

Placements24 is assisting a luxury hotel and catering group in Cape Town to recruit a Master Pastry Chef. You will conceive, create, and execute an exquisite range of pastries for restaurants, events, and hotel services, leading a dedicated pastry team and ensuring exceptional quality and presentation.

The role requires 7+ years in pastry with 3+ in leadership, formal pastry education, and expertise in chocolate, sugar artistry, and bread making.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years progressive experience in pastry arts, with at least 3 years in a supervisory role (Head Pastry Chef / Executive Pastry Chef).
• Formal pastry or culinary education from a reputable institution is essential.
• Demonstrated expertise in classic and modern pastry techniques, chocolate work, sugar artistry, and bread making.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong understanding of food costing, inventory management, and budget control.
• Knowledge of health and safety regulations relevant to food service.
• Creative mindset with a keen eye for detail and presentation.
• Proficiency in English.
• Portfolio showcasing previous work is highly recommended.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute a sophisticated pastry menu across desserts, breads, viennoiseries, and cakes.
• Lead, train, and inspire a pastry team of cooks and bakers.
• Source premium ingredients, manage pastry inventory, and control costs.
• Maintain high hygiene, food safety, and kitchen organization in pastry.
• Collaborate with Executive Chef and Banquet Managers for outlet and event desserts.
• Innovate with new flavors, techniques, and presentations.
• Oversee production schedule to meet demand across the business.
• Ensure consistent quality in every item produced.
• Conduct regular quality checks and provide feedback to the team.
• Manage pastry budget and forecast future needs.

Skills

Leadership

Pastry expertise

Creativity

Education

Formal pastry education

Job description

Placements24 is assisting a luxury hotel and catering group in Cape Town to recruit a Master Pastry Chef. You will conceive, create, and execute an exquisite range of pastries for restaurants, events, and hotel services, leading a dedicated pastry team and ensuring exceptional quality and presentation.

The role requires 7+ years in pastry with 3+ in leadership, formal pastry education, and expertise in chocolate, sugar artistry, and bread making.