Lead Pastry Chef: Creative Desserts for High-Profile Events

Placements24; Kempton Park; Hybrid; ZAR 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Key pastry role in renowned catering

Diverse events across Gauteng

Creative growth opportunities

Uniform and kitchen facilities

Job summary

Placements24 in Gauteng is seeking a Senior Pastry Chef to join a distinguished catering client in Tembisa. You will lead the pastry section, craft exquisite desserts and baked goods for prestigious events, and develop innovative menus that wow guests.

You will mentor the team, supervise production, manage inventory and costs, uphold HACCP standards, and partner with the Executive Chef and event planners to align pastry offerings with event themes, ensuring flawless presentation.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years progressive pastry experience with at least 2 years in a supervisory/senior role.
• Professional culinary qualification with a specialization in pastry arts.
• Expertise in pastry techniques including baking, chocolate work, sugar artistry, viennoiserie.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and sanitation (HACCP).
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to work under pressure.
• Creative flair and ability to develop new recipes and presentations.
• Flexibility in hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays for events.
• Proficiency in inventory management and basic cost control.
• A portfolio of pastry creations is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design, prepare, and present pastries, desserts, cakes for events.
• Lead and mentor pastry team; ensure workflow and adherence to recipes.
• Develop new dessert concepts and menus aligned with trends.
• Manage pastry inventory, ordering, stock control, waste minimization.
• Maintain hygiene and food safety in pastry kitchen per regulations.
• Collaborate with Executive Chef and event coordinators to align offerings.
• Conduct quality checks for consistency and excellence.
• Manage pastry section budget and cost control.
• Stay updated with patisserie techniques and ingredient innovations.
• Ensure desserts are visually appealing and meet high standards.

Skills

Pastry leadership

Dessert innovations

HACCP & food safety

Inventory management

Budget control

Education

Professional culinary qualification in pastry arts

Job description

Placements24 in Gauteng is seeking a Senior Pastry Chef to join a distinguished catering client in Tembisa. You will lead the pastry section, craft exquisite desserts and baked goods for prestigious events, and develop innovative menus that wow guests.

You will mentor the team, supervise production, manage inventory and costs, uphold HACCP standards, and partner with the Executive Chef and event planners to align pastry offerings with event themes, ensuring flawless presentation.