Head Pastry Chef — Lead Dessert Artistry for Elite Events

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses based on performance

Opportunities to work with high‑profil

clients

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an exceptionally talented Head Pastry Chef for a premier catering operation in Sandton, Gauteng. The role leads the dessert division, designing and executing bespoke desserts for high-end events and prestigious clients.

The candidate will drive innovation, maintain top-level quality and presentation, manage a pastry team, and collaborate with the main culinary team to ensure flawless event dessert execution.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of pastry experience with 3+ in senior leadership/head pastry role required.
• Proven track record in pastries, cakes, chocolates, and plated desserts.

Responsibilities

• Lead pastry and dessert production for all catered events with a focus on quality and presentation.
• Develop innovative, bespoke dessert menus aligned with seasonal trends.
• Oversee pastry kitchen ops including inventory, procurement, and cost control.
• Enforce food safety, hygiene and sanitation standards.
• Train, mentor and manage a pastry team; collaborate with culinary and event-planning teams.
• Ensure integration of dessert offerings into overall event plans; maintain kitchen cleanliness.

Skills

Pastry expertise

Kitchen leadership

Menu development

Food safety

Education

Culinary degree/Pastry qualification

Job description

Placements24 is seeking an exceptionally talented Head Pastry Chef for a premier catering operation in Sandton, Gauteng. The role leads the dessert division, designing and executing bespoke desserts for high-end events and prestigious clients.

The candidate will drive innovation, maintain top-level quality and presentation, manage a pastry team, and collaborate with the main culinary team to ensure flawless event dessert execution.