Pastry Chef - Banqueting

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Premium ingredients access

Modern baking equipment

Growth opportunities

Dynamic kitchen environment

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban is seeking a talented Pastry Chef specializing in banqueting to design, prepare, and present exquisite desserts for a wide range of events.

You will lead the pastry section, develop dessert menus with the Head Chef, manage inventory, ensure top cleanliness, and train junior pastry staff in a fast-paced kitchen.

The role demands creativity, precise decoration, and a commitment to consistent quality to enhance the guest experience.

Qualifications

• Proven pastry chef experience with banqueting and event desserts.
• Expertise in pastry techniques: baking, decorating, sugar work.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation in a commercial kitchen.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight event deadlines.
• Creative flair and attention to presentation.

Responsibilities

• Create and execute pastries, desserts, and baked goods for catered events.
• Develop new dessert recipes and presentation techniques.
• Manage pastry inventory, ordering, and cleanliness standards.
• Collaborate with culinary team to align offerings with event themes.
• Ensure pastries meet client specs and quality standards.
• Train and supervise junior pastry staff as needed.

Skills

Pastry Chef experience

Banqueting pastry expertise

Sugar work

Food safety knowledge

Presentation/plating

Education

Culinary school certification

Tools

Modern baking equipment

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished catering provider in Durban , is seeking a highly skilled and creative Pastry Chef specializing in banqueting. This role is critical in designing, preparing, and presenting exceptional desserts, cakes, and other sweet creations for a wide array of catered events. You will work closely with the Head Chef to innovate dessert menus, manage pastry inventory, and ensure consistent quality and stunning visual appeal, contributing significantly to the overall guest experience. If you have a passion for patisserie and thrive in a high-paced, quality-driven kitchen, this is the perfect opportunity.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and execute a diverse range of high-quality pastries, desserts, and baked goods for catered events.
• Develop new and innovative dessert recipes and presentation techniques.
• Manage the pastry section, including ordering ingredients, inventory control, and maintaining high standards of cleanliness and organization.
• Collaborate with the culinary team to align pastry offerings with event themes and client requirements.
• Ensure all pastry items meet the client's specifications and the company's quality standards.
• Train and supervise junior pastry cooks or assistants as needed.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Pastry Chef, with a strong portfolio showcasing banqueting and event dessert creations.
• Expertise in various pastry techniques, including baking, decorating, and sugar work.
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards in a commercial kitchen environment.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and meet tight deadlines for multiple events.
• Creative flair and a keen eye for detail in presentation.
• Certification from a reputable culinary school or equivalent professional training is advantageous for this role in Durban .

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to showcase creativity in a renowned Durban catering establishment.
• Access to premium ingredients and modern baking equipment.
• Potential for growth within the culinary team.
• A dynamic work environment with a focus on excellence and client satisfaction.