Pastry Chef - Boutique Hotel

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is sourcing a creative Pastry Chef for a prestigious boutique hotel in Durban. The role leads the pastry department, crafting artisanal breads, pastries, desserts and cake presentations for the restaurant, in-room dining, and events.

You will develop concepts, oversee production, and ensure the highest standards of quality and artistry. The ideal candidate has 4+ years in senior pastry roles, a formal pâtisserie qualification, and a track record of innovative, visually stunning

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years as a Pastry Chef or senior pastry role in hospitality
• Formal qualification in Patisserie or related culinary field
• Proven expertise in pastries, desserts, breads, and baked goods
• Strong pastry techniques and flavor pairings
• Portfolio of previous work recommended

Responsibilities

• Develop, prepare and present a wide array of pastries, desserts, breads and cakes
• Create innovative and seasonal pastry menus for hotel outlets and events
• Manage pastry kitchen, inventory, ordering and cost control
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety and sanitation regulations
• Train and mentor junior pastry staff
• Maintain high quality, consistency and presentation in all pastry items
• Collaborate with executive chef and culinary team on menus
• Manage waste and control food costs in pastry department
• Stay updated on pastry trends and techniques

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Patisserie qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an exquisite boutique hotel renowned for its exceptional service and culinary artistry in Durban , is seeking a highly creative and skilled Pastry Chef to lead their pastry department. This role is perfect for an individual with a passion for all things sweet, who can craft artisanal breads, delicate pastries, exquisite desserts, and visually stunning cakes. You will be responsible for the entire pastry operation, from concept development and recipe creation to production and final presentation, catering to the hotel's restaurant, in-room dining, and special events. The ideal candidate will possess a refined palate, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to innovate and maintain the highest standards of quality and artistry expected by our discerning clientele in Durban .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, prepare, and present a wide array of high-quality pastries, desserts, breads, and cakes.
• Create innovative and seasonal menus for the hotel's restaurant, bar, and special events.
• Manage all aspects of the pastry kitchen, including inventory, ordering, and cost control.
• Ensure strict adherence to all food safety and sanitation regulations.
• Train, supervise, and mentor junior pastry staff, fostering a culture of learning and excellence.
• Maintain the highest standards of quality, consistency, and presentation in all pastry items.
• Collaborate with the Executive Chef and other culinary team members to ensure cohesive menu offerings.
• Manage waste and control food costs effectively within the pastry department.
• Keep abreast of current pastry trends and techniques, incorporating them where appropriate.

Requirements

• A minimum of 4 years of experience as a Pastry Chef or in a senior pastry role, preferably within the hospitality sector.
• A formal qualification in Patisserie or a related culinary field.
• Proven expertise in creating a diverse range of pastries, desserts, and baked goods.
• Strong understanding of pastry techniques, ingredients, and flavor pairings.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work efficiently and creatively under pressure.
• Knowledge of food safety standards and best practices.
• Experience in cost control and inventory management for a pastry section.
• A portfolio showcasing previous work is highly recommended.

Benefits

This role offers a competitive salary, benefits package, and the opportunity to work in a beautiful setting in Durban , contributing to a highly regarded boutique hotel. You will have creative freedom to develop exciting new pastry creations and the chance to grow professionally within a dedicated and passionate culinary team committed to excellence.