Head Pastry Chef

Placements24; George; Hybride; ZAR 420 000 - 640 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Competitive salary

Modern kitchen facilities

Employee discounts

Résumé du poste

Placements24 is seeking a Head Pastry Chef in George to lead the pastry division for weddings, corporate events, and private functions. You will innovate menus, maintain top quality and presentation, and manage a dedicated pastry team.

The role blends on-site production with remote planning and menu development. The ideal candidate brings at least 4 years in a senior pastry role, formal culinary training, strong leadership, and a keen eye for detail to drive culinary excellence and client

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years in a senior pastry role.
• Formal culinary training or recognized pastry qualification essential.
• Extensive pastry technique knowledge and baking science.
• Proven ability to create visually stunning, delicious desserts.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Experience with managing food costs and inventory.
• Hybrid work experience: on-site production and remote planning/menu development.
• Solid food safety and sanitation understanding.
• Ability to work under pressure during peak events.

Responsabilités

• Conceptualize and develop a wide range of pastries, cakes, breads, and desserts.
• Lead and supervise the pastry team with training and feedback.
• Manage pastry kitchen operations: sourcing, inventory, waste control.
• Ensure pastry quality meets client standards in taste, texture, and presentation.
• Collaborate with Head Chef and event planners to integrate pastry into menus.
• Maintain hygiene and safety standards in the pastry section.
• Control costs for pastry production including ingredients and labor.
• Stay updated with pastry trends and apply to new products.
• Oversee equipment maintenance and kitchen management.
• Prepare detailed costing for new and existing pastry items.

Connaissances

Pastry leadership

Menu development

Food cost control

Team management

Organizational skills

Pressure handling

Formation

Culinary diploma/degree

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a highly regarded catering business operating in the scenic region of George , is looking for an exceptional Head Pastry Chef. This role is pivotal in driving the quality and innovation of our dessert and baked goods offerings for a diverse clientele, ranging from weddings and corporate events to private functions. We are seeking a creative, meticulous, and experienced pastry professional who can lead our pastry section, develop new and exciting dessert menus, and maintain the highest standards of quality and presentation. This position offers the chance to make a significant impact on our culinary reputation and contribute to the success of a busy, client-focused operation. If you have a passion for the art of pastry and a proven ability to manage a dedicated team, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize, develop, and execute a wide range of high-quality pastries, cakes, breads, and desserts.
• Lead and supervise the pastry team, providing training, guidance, and performance feedback.
• Manage pastry kitchen operations, including ingredient sourcing, inventory control, and waste reduction.
• Ensure all pastry products meet our client's exacting standards for taste, texture, and visual appeal.
• Collaborate closely with the Head Chef and event planners to ensure seamless integration of pastry offerings into event menus.
• Maintain impeccable hygiene and food safety standards within the pastry section, adhering to all relevant regulations.
• Control costs related to pastry production, including ingredients and labor.
• Stay abreast of current pastry trends and techniques, incorporating them into new product development.
• Manage equipment and ensure proper maintenance within the pastry kitchen.
• Prepare detailed costing for all new and existing pastry items.

Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years of experience as a Pastry Chef or in a similar senior pastry role.
• Formal culinary training or a recognized pastry qualification is essential.
• Extensive knowledge of pastry techniques, ingredients, and baking science.
• Demonstrated ability to create visually stunning and delicious desserts.
• Strong leadership, communication, and team management skills.
• Excellent organizational abilities and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in managing food costs and inventory.
• Experience with hybrid work models, adapting between on-site production and remote planning/menu development.
• A strong understanding of food safety and sanitation protocols.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines during peak event seasons.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary.
• Opportunity to shape the pastry division of a respected catering company.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Access to modern kitchen facilities.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment.
• Employee discounts on services.
• Potential for growth and leadership advancement.