Lead Pastry Chef — Fine Dining & Dessert Innovation

Craven Cottage CC; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Craven Cottage CC in Cape Town is seeking an experienced Pastry Chef to lead daily pastry operations in a high-volume kitchen within a fine dining or luxury hospitality setting, ensuring readiness before service and maintaining quality.

You will prepare and present desserts and breads to exacting standards, supervise junior pastry staff, manage stock with FIFO, assist menu development and uphold rigorous food safety and presentation standards.

Qualifications

• A relevant culinary or pastry qualification.
• Minimum 5 years’ pastry experience in a professional kitchen.
• Experience in a high-volume kitchen.
• Experience in fine dining, semi-fine dining or luxury hospitality.
• Strong knowledge of pastry production, baking techniques and dessert presentation.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Proven ability to lead a team and work under pressure.
• Creativity, attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Strong communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage the daily operations of the pastry section and ensure readiness before each service.
• Prepare and present desserts, pastries, breads and baked goods according to approved recipes and presentation standards.
• Maintain consistent quality, portion control and attention to detail.
• Supervise junior pastry chefs, allocate tasks and provide practical training.
• Assist with seasonal menu development and new dessert concepts.
• Assist with ingredient ordering, stock control and inventory management.
• Apply FIFO stock rotation and minimise ingredient wastage.
• Maintain a clean, organised and safe pastry kitchen.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene and health and safety standards.
• Monitor equipment care, report maintenance concerns and support other kitchen sections when required.

Job description

Craven Cottage CC in Cape Town is seeking an experienced Pastry Chef to lead daily pastry operations in a high-volume kitchen within a fine dining or luxury hospitality setting, ensuring readiness before service and maintaining quality.

You will prepare and present desserts and breads to exacting standards, supervise junior pastry staff, manage stock with FIFO, assist menu development and uphold rigorous food safety and presentation standards.