Executive Pastry Chef - Banquets & Events

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive benefits package

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an Executive Pastry Chef to lead the high-end banqueting and events division in East London. You will own menu development, production, and team leadership to deliver exquisite dessert experiences for diverse functions.

The role requires 8+ years in pastry with 3–5 years in a leadership capacity, a strong artistic eye, and expertise in cost control and HACCP, with the ability to work flexible event hours.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years in pastry with 3–5 years in a leadership role.
• Mastery of classic and contemporary pastry techniques.
• Strong artistic eye for presentation and dessert concepts.
• Proven leadership, communication, and time-management skills.
• Solid knowledge of cost control and HACCP principles.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute innovative pastry menus for banquets and events.
• Oversee all pastry production ensuring consistency and quality.
• Lead, mentor, and train a pastry team, promoting excellence.
• Manage inventory, ordering, receiving, and stock control to control costs.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards.
• Collaborate with Executive Chef and event planners to align pastry with themes.
• Maintain equipment and ensure a safe, organized kitchen.
• Stay updated on pastry trends and techniques globally.
• Manage pastry department budgets and contribute to profitability.
• Enhance the organization’s culinary reputation through dessert excellence.

Skills

Leadership in pastry

Menu development

Team management

Budgeting and costing

HACCP and food safety

Education

Culinary degree or pastry apprenticeship

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an exceptional Executive Pastry Chef to lead their high-end banqueting and events division in East London. This prestigious role demands creativity, precision, and a deep understanding of patisserie to craft exquisite dessert experiences for a diverse range of functions. You will be responsible for the entire pastry operation, from menu conceptualization and development to managing a team of skilled pastry cooks, ensuring flawless execution, and maintaining the highest standards of quality and presentation. This is a leadership position for a passionate pastry artist looking to make a significant impact in the vibrant culinary scene of East London.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and execute innovative and visually stunning pastry menus for banquets and events.
• Oversee all aspects of pastry production, ensuring consistency, quality, and adherence to recipes.
• Lead, mentor, and train a team of pastry cooks and assistants, fostering a culture of excellence.
• Manage pastry kitchen inventory, including ordering, receiving, and stock control, to minimize waste and control costs.
• Ensure strict adherence to all food safety, sanitation, and hygiene standards.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef and event planners to align pastry offerings with overall event themes and client expectations.
• Maintain equipment and ensure a clean, organized, and safe working environment.
• Stay updated on the latest pastry trends, techniques, and ingredients globally.
• Manage pastry department budgets and control food costs effectively.
• Contribute to the overall success and reputation of the organization's culinary offerings.

Requirements

• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in pastry arts, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role (e.g., Executive Pastry Chef, Pastry Sous Chef) within fine dining, hotel, or high-volume event catering.
• Demonstrated mastery of classic and contemporary pastry techniques, including cake decorating, chocolate work, and sugar artistry.
• Exceptional creativity and a strong artistic eye for presentation.
• Proven leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate staff.
• In-depth knowledge of food costing, inventory management, and waste reduction strategies.
• Solid understanding of HACCP and other food safety regulations.
• Culinary degree or formal pastry apprenticeship is essential.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required by event schedules.
• Passion for pastry and a commitment to delivering unparalleled quality.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and executive benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead and innovate within a renowned catering establishment in East London.
• Access to state-of-the-art kitchen facilities and resources.
• Professional development opportunities and exposure to diverse culinary challenges.
• A stimulating work environment that celebrates culinary artistry.
• Performance-based bonuses and recognition.