Lead Pastry Chef for Luxury Cakes & Haute Desserts

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pastry Chef for a luxury caterer in Tembisa, Gauteng. You will lead the pastry section, design high-end desserts and bespoke cakes, and collaborate with the Executive Chef on events.

This role demands artistic pastry skills, leadership, cost awareness, and strict food safety. You’ll mentor junior staff, manage production schedules, and craft menus for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of progressive pastry experience focused on high-end desserts and custom cakes.
• Formal pastry or baking qualification from a reputable institution.
• Proven ability to design intricate and artistic pastry creations.
• Expertise in sugar work, chocolate sculpting, and advanced cake decorating.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Proficiency in recipe costing and inventory management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the pastry department and supervise dessert creation.
• Develop innovative pastry menus and concepts.
• Ensure the highest standards of quality, taste, and presentation.
• Manage ingredients sourcing, inventory, and cost control.
• Train and mentor junior pastry staff.
• Collaborate with Executive Chef and event coordinators to meet client specs.
• Maintain strict food safety and sanitation practices.
• Experiment with flavours and techniques to stay ahead of trends.
• Manage production schedules for timely delivery.
• Uphold brand commitment to excellence and creativity.

Skills

Leadership

Dessert design

Sugar work

Chocolate sculpting

Cake decorating

Menu development

Costing & inventory

Education

Formal pastry or baking qualification

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pastry Chef for a luxury caterer in Tembisa, Gauteng. You will lead the pastry section, design high-end desserts and bespoke cakes, and collaborate with the Executive Chef on events.

This role demands artistic pastry skills, leadership, cost awareness, and strict food safety. You’ll mentor junior staff, manage production schedules, and craft menus for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations.