Pastry Chef

HotelJobs; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 320,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in accommodation

Job summary

HotelJobs is seeking a talented and creative Pastry Chef to run the pastry section of a luxury Big Five safari lodge near Kruger National Park. This hands-on role demands precision baking with bold, creative flair, high standards, and fresh menu ideas that guests remember long after departure.

The candidate should have at least 3 years in a senior pastry role, a culinary arts diploma or equivalent, and strong leadership, communication, and time-management skills to thrive in a fast-paced

Qualifications

• 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.

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

Skills

Senior pastry experience

Leadership

Creativity

Baking techniques

Dietary accommodation

Time management

Communication

Attention to detail

Education

Diploma or certification in Culinary Arts

Job description

A luxury Big Five safari lodge bordering the Kruger National Park is seeking a talented and creative PASTRY CHEF to run its pastry section. 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