Pastry Chef - Banqueting & Events

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 280,000 - 360,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Professional development

Dynamic kitchen environment

Event exposure

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria is seeking a talented Pastry Chef to craft exquisite desserts for exclusive events. You will lead pastry production, design desserts, and ensure high-quality displays for weddings and corporate functions.

The role requires at least four years in pastry, formal training, and a passion for detail, with responsibilities across menu development, inventory management, and mentoring junior staff; evenings and weekends required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years as Pastry Chef or Assistant Pastry Chef in catering or fine dining.
• Formal culinary training or certified pastry qualification preferred.
• Proficient in pastry methods including baking, decorating, chocolate work and sugar artistry.
• Strong costing, recipe development and pastry inventory management.
• Excellent attention to detail and presentation.
• Ability to handle high-volume events and manage multiple orders.
• Strong communication and teamwork; flexible hours for events.

Responsibilities

• Design, prepare, and execute pastries, desserts, cakes for banqueting and events.
• Ensure consistent quality, taste, and presentation per standards.
• Manage pastry section including inventory, ordering and waste control.
• Collaborate with Executive Chef and planners on seasonal menus.
• Maintain hygiene, safety, and sanitation in pastry kitchen.
• Train and mentor junior pastry staff in techniques.
• Stay updated on pastry trends and on-site event support as needed.

Skills

Pastry techniques

Recipe development

Inventory management

Teamwork

Communication

Hygiene and food safety

Attention to detail

Education

Formal culinary training or pastry qualification

Tools

Chocolate work

Sugar artistry

Job description

About the Role Our client, a highly respected catering company specializing in exclusive events and banqueting, is searching for a talented and creative Pastry Chef to join their esteemed culinary team in Pretoria . This role is crucial for crafting exquisite dessert experiences that complement the overall quality of our client's offerings. The ideal candidate will possess a refined understanding of pastry techniques, a keen eye for detail in presentation, and the ability to produce high-quality desserts for a variety of events, from corporate functions to elegant weddings. You will be responsible for the creation, production, and execution of all pastry items, ensuring consistency and excellence. This is an exciting opportunity to showcase your artistry in a vibrant and challenging environment within Pretoria 's premium event catering sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, prepare, and execute a wide range of sophisticated pastries, desserts, cakes, and confections for banqueting and event clients.
• Ensure consistent quality, taste, and presentation of all pastry items according to established standards and client specifications.
• Manage the pastry section of the kitchen, including inventory, ordering, and waste control.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef and event planners to develop seasonal menus and custom dessert creations.
• Maintain impeccable standards of hygiene, food safety, and sanitation within the pastry kitchen.
• Train and mentor junior pastry cooks and kitchen staff in pastry techniques and preparation.
• Stay abreast of current pastry trends and innovations in the culinary world.
• Assist with on-site event execution as needed, ensuring dessert displays are flawless.

Requirements

• A minimum of 4 years of experience as a Pastry Chef or Assistant Pastry Chef, preferably within a high-volume catering or fine dining establishment.
• Formal culinary training or a recognized pastry qualification is highly desirable.
• Proficiency in a wide array of pastry techniques, including baking, decorating, chocolate work, and sugar artistry.
• Strong understanding of recipe development, costing, and inventory management for pastry production.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to creating visually appealing desserts.
• Ability to work efficiently under pressure and manage multiple orders simultaneously.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Flexibility to work variable hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, based on event schedules in Pretoria .

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical aid and opportunities for professional development.
• You will work in a dynamic kitchen environment in Pretoria , contributing to memorable events.
• Gain experience with a diverse range of clients and event styles.
• Opportunities for creativity and skill enhancement are a core part of the role.
• Be part of a supportive and collaborative culinary team.