Executive Pastry Chef: Lead, Create & Elevate Desserts

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

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.