Pastry Chef

Wild Dreams Hospitality; Limpopo; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in position

Job summary

Wild Dreams Hospitality is seeking a senior pastry professional for a hands-on role in a live-in position in Limpopo. You will lead the pastry section, craft a diverse range of pastries, breads, cakes, and desserts, and bring creative flair to the menu while upholding the highest standards.

You will mentor junior pastry staff, adapt recipes for dietary requirements, and collaborate with the broader kitchen team to keep offerings fresh and on trend.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a pastry chef, baker, or senior role.
• At least 3 years in a senior pastry position.
• Diploma or certification in Culinary Arts advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of baking techniques, ingredients, and decorating methods.
• Creativity and attention to detail in food presentation.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Leadership ability and team collaboration.
• Adapt recipes for dietary requirements (gluten-free, vegan).
• Genuine passion for baking and strong work ethic.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and bake a full range of pastries, breads, cakes, and desserts daily.
• Create visually striking desserts using advanced decorating techniques.
• Develop and refine recipes to keep the menu fresh and on trend.
• Manage the pastry section's daily workflow and efficiency.
• Control stock of baking ingredients and place orders as needed.
• Minimise waste and manage ingredient usage to optimise food costs.
• Maintain food safety and hygiene standards at all times.
• Ensure correct storage and labelling of all ingredients.
• Keep the pastry section and equipment clean and well organised.
• Maintain consistency in taste, texture, and presentation across all products.
• Present pastries attractively for display and service.
• Coordinate with the wider kitchen team on food preparation.
• Train and mentor junior pastry staff.

Skills

Pastry leadership

Baking techniques

Creativity & presentation

Time management

Communication & teamwork

Dietary adaptation

Attention to detail

Stress management

Education

Culinary Arts Diploma

Job description

This is a hands-on role for someone who loves precision baking as much as bold, creative flair. You'll be trusted to keep standards consistently high while bringing fresh ideas to a menu that guests remember long after they've left the bush.

Core Criteria:

• Proven experience in a pastry chef, baker, or similar senior role
• At least 3 years' experience in a senior pastry position
• Diploma or certification in Culinary Arts advantageous
• Strong knowledge of baking techniques, ingredients, and decorating methods
• Creativity and attention to detail in food presentation
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and meet deadlines
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Team player with good communication and leadership ability
• Comfortable adapting recipes for dietary requirements, including gluten free and vegan options
• Genuine passion for baking, with patience and a strong work ethic

Core Responsibilities:

• Prepare and bake a full range of pastries, breads, cakes, and desserts daily
• Create visually striking desserts using advanced decorating techniques
• Develop and refine recipes to keep the menu fresh and on trend
• Manage the pastry section's daily workflow and efficiency
• Control stock of baking ingredients and place orders as needed
• Minimise waste and manage ingredient usage to optimise food costs
• Maintain food safety and hygiene standards at all times
• Ensure correct storage and labelling of all ingredients
• Keep the pastry section and equipment clean and well organised
• Maintain consistency in taste, texture, and presentation across all products
• Present pastries attractively for both display and service
• Coordinate closely with the wider kitchen team on food preparation
• Train and mentor junior pastry staff, guiding technique and decoration methods
• Adapt recipes for dietary restrictions where required
• Stay current with industry trends and bring new flavours and techniques into the offering

Live-in position, permanent

Transport to and from leave cycles is the successful candidate's own responsibility