Executive Pastry Chef

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Gratuity and bonus structure

Comprehensive medical aid

Retirement fund contributions

Professional development opportunities

Discounted hotel services

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an Executive Pastry Chef for a luxury Durban hotel. Lead the pastry kitchen, developing innovative menus for restaurants, banquets and room service with a focus on quality and presentation.

You will mentor a pastry team, implement high standards, and stay ahead of pastry trends while ensuring strict food-safety compliance and budget adherence in a fast-paced hotel environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in pastry and bakery, with leadership roles.
• Proven expertise in baking, chocolate work, sugar art, and cake decorating.
• Strong understanding of food cost, inventory management, and kitchen budgeting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the pastry kitchen, including menu development, food preparation, and presentation.
• Lead, train, and mentor a team of pastry cooks and bakers.
• Develop innovative pastry menus and dessert concepts for all hotel outlets.
• Ensure consistent quality and portion control across pastry items.
• Manage inventory, ingredients, and cost control to meet budgets.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Creativity

Attention to detail

Communication

Pressure handling

Education

Formal culinary or pastry arts education

Tools

HACCP

Job description

About the Role Our client, a luxury hotel renowned for its exquisite dining experiences in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, is seeking a highly skilled and imaginative Executive Pastry Chef. This senior position is responsible for leading the pastry and bakery operations, ensuring the highest standards of quality, creativity, and presentation for all desserts, pastries, breads, and confectioneries served across the hotel's restaurants, banqueting, and room service. The ideal candidate will possess a refined palate, exceptional technical skills, and a passion for innovation in the world of patisserie. You will be instrumental in developing and executing a world-class pastry program that delights guests and elevates the hotel's culinary reputation in Durban.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the pastry kitchen, including menu development, food preparation, and presentation.
• Lead, train, and mentor a team of pastry cooks and bakers, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
• Develop innovative and appealing pastry menus, seasonal specials, and dessert creations for all hotel outlets.
• Ensure consistent quality and portion control across all pastry and bakery items.
• Manage inventory, ordering of ingredients, and cost control to meet budgetary goals.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef and other culinary leaders on menu planning and special events.
• Conduct regular taste tests and quality checks.
• Stay updated on the latest pastry trends, techniques, and ingredients.
• Manage and maintain all pastry kitchen equipment.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in pastry and bakery, with at least 3-4 years in an Executive Pastry Chef or Head Pastry Chef role.
• Formal culinary or pastry arts education from a recognized institution is essential.
• Demonstrated expertise in a wide range of pastry techniques, including baking, chocolate work, sugar art, and cake decorating.
• Proven ability to create innovative and high-quality desserts and baked goods.
• Strong leadership, management, and team-building skills.
• Excellent understanding of food cost, inventory management, and kitchen budgeting.
• Proficiency in HACCP and other food safety regulations.
• Creativity, passion for food, and a keen eye for detail and presentation.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, including a gratuity and bonus structure, along with comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.

You will receive extensive professional development opportunities, discounted hotel services, and the prestige of working at a leading luxury hotel in Durban.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a talented pastry chef to make their mark.