Executive Pastry Chef

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Executive Pastry Chef for a luxury catering and events company in Sandton, Gauteng. You will lead a hybrid pastry department, create high-end desserts, breads, and confections for events, and manage cost and quality control.

The role requires 7+ years in pastry with at least 3 years in leadership, formal pastry education, and strong chocolate and sugar craft skills. Hybrid onsite-work and leadership opportunities are offered in a prestigious setting.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressive experience as a Pastry Chef, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
• Formal culinary education specializing in pastry arts is essential.
• Exceptional pastry techniques including chocolate work and sugar craft.
• Experience creating complex, high-end dessert concepts.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all pastry kitchen operations, including menu development and quality control.
• Develop innovative pastry items for diverse events and maintain standard recipes.
• Oversee inventory, procurement and cost control to optimize profitability.
• Train and mentor pastry team, upholding excellence and creativity.
• Ensure adherence to food safety, HACCP and sanitation standards.
• Collaborate with chefs and planners to design dessert menus for events.
• Stay updated on global pastry trends, techniques, and ingredients.
• Manage the pastry department budget and contribute to profitability.
• Oversee presentation and plating of pastry creations for events.

Skills

Pastry leadership

Dessert creation

HACCP knowledge

Menu development

Cost control

Team mentoring

Education

Formal pastry education

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a renowned luxury catering and events company based in Sandton, Gauteng , is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Executive Pastry Chef . This role is critical in defining and delivering exquisite dessert experiences for a discerning clientele. You will lead the pastry department, responsible for creating a wide range of high-quality pastries, desserts, breads, and confectioneries for events of all sizes. The ideal candidate will possess a deep passion for pastry arts, exceptional technical skills, and a proven ability to lead and inspire a team. This hybrid role will involve both creative development and on-site oversight, ensuring perfection in every detail. Join our prestigious team in Sandton and elevate the culinary artistry of our client's offerings.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of the pastry kitchen, including menu development, production, and quality control.
• Create innovative and visually stunning pastry items, desserts, cakes, and breads for diverse events.
• Develop and maintain standardized recipes and techniques to ensure consistency and quality.
• Manage pastry department inventory, procurement, and cost control to optimize profitability.
• Train, mentor, and supervise pastry team members, fostering a culture of excellence and creativity.
• Ensure strict adherence to all food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef and event planners to design dessert menus that complement overall event themes and client requirements.
• Stay updated on the latest pastry trends, techniques, and ingredients globally.
• Manage the pastry department's budget and contribute to the overall profitability of the catering operation.
• Oversee the presentation and plating of all pastry creations for events.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7 years of progressive experience as a Pastry Chef, with at least 3 years in a leadership or executive role within a high-end catering, hotel, or restaurant environment.
• Formal culinary education specializing in pastry arts is essential.
• Exceptional skill in classic and contemporary pastry techniques, including baking, decorating, chocolate work, and sugar craft.
• Proven ability to create and execute complex dessert creations.
• Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• In-depth knowledge of food safety, HACCP, and sanitation regulations.
• Excellent understanding of costing, inventory management, and waste reduction.
• Creative flair and a passion for artistic presentation.
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects.
• Flexibility to work varying hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as dictated by event schedules in Sandton.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive executive salary package and attractive performance-based bonuses. You will have the opportunity to work with premium ingredients, lead a talented team, and contribute to high-profile events. Professional development and growth opportunities are abundant. This hybrid role provides creative freedom and the chance to be a leader in the exquisite world of luxury pastry in Gauteng .