Executive Pastry Chef - Luxury Catering

Placements24; East London; Sur place; ZAR 900 000 - 1 300 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Bonuses

Benefits package

Growth opportunities

Résumé du poste

Placements24 is seeking an Executive Pastry Chef for its luxury catering client in East London, Eastern Cape. You will lead the pastry division, design exquisite desserts and seasonal menus for high-end events, and mentor a skilled pastry team.

The role requires a formal pastry qualification, 10+ years experience, strong leadership, cost control, HACCP, and willingness to work flexible hours to meet event schedules.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in pastry, incl. 5+ years as Exec/Head Pastry Chef.
• Formal culinary degree or pastry qualification required.
• Artistic talent with high technical pastry skills.
• Proven leadership and team-building ability.
• Strong cost control, inventory, and menu engineering.
• HACCP and food safety knowledge.

Responsabilités

• Design and execute all pastry and dessert menus for luxury events.
• Lead, train, and mentor the pastry team.
• Maintain top quality, presentation, and consistency.
• Oversee pastry kitchen operations, production, inventory, sanitation.
• Develop dessert concepts: plated desserts, cakes, petit fours, breads.
• Control costs, manage suppliers, and optimize pastry inventory.
• Enforce strict food safety, hygiene, sanitation.
• Collaborate with Executive Chef and events team on experiences.
• Stay updated on pastry trends and techniques.
• Maintain pastry kitchen equipment and facilities.

Connaissances

Leadership

Pastry Arts

Menu Development

Cost Control

HACCP Knowledge

Formation

Culinary degree / Pastry qualification

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a leading luxury catering provider in East London, Eastern Cape , is seeking an innovative and highly skilled Executive Pastry Chef to lead their pastry division. This prestigious role demands creativity, exceptional technical skill, and strong leadership abilities to design and execute exquisite desserts, cakes, and artisanal baked goods for high-end events. You will be responsible for setting the standard for all pastry creations, managing a team of pastry chefs, controlling costs, and maintaining impeccable quality and presentation. The ideal candidate has a refined palate, a passion for culinary artistry, and a proven history of excellence in a similar demanding environment. This is a unique opportunity to shape the sweet offerings for elite events across the region from our base in East London .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and execution of all pastry and dessert menus for various luxury events.
• Manage, train, and mentor the pastry team, fostering a creative and high-performance culture.
• Ensure the highest standards of quality, taste, presentation, and consistency for all pastry items.
• Oversee all aspects of pastry kitchen operations, including production, inventory, and sanitation.
• Develop innovative dessert concepts, including plated desserts, specialty cakes, petit fours, and breads.
• Control food costs, manage supplier relationships, and maintain optimal inventory levels for the pastry section.
• Implement and enforce strict food safety, hygiene, and sanitation protocols.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef and event planning team to create cohesive and spectacular culinary experiences.
• Stay abreast of current pastry trends and techniques, incorporating them into menu development.
• Maintain the upkeep and cleanliness of all pastry kitchen equipment and facilities.

Requirements

• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in pastry arts, with at least 5 years in an Executive Pastry Chef or Head Pastry Chef role within luxury catering, high-end hotels, or fine dining establishments.
• A formal culinary degree or recognized pastry arts qualification is essential.
• Exceptional artistic talent and technical proficiency in all areas of patisserie and baking.
• Proven leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate.
• Strong understanding of cost control, inventory management, and menu engineering for pastry.
• Proficiency in food safety standards and HACCP principles.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Creative flair and a passion for pushing culinary boundaries.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays, as dictated by event schedules in East London, Eastern Cape .

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive remuneration package, commensurate with the seniority of the role, along with performance-based bonuses and comprehensive benefits. This position provides excellent opportunities for professional growth and creative expression within a highly respected luxury catering organization. You will work with a passionate team dedicated to excellence and have a significant impact on the culinary reputation of prestigious events in East London, Eastern Cape .