Pastry Chef - High-End Catering

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a talented Pastry Chef to elevate our client's catering dessert offerings in Centurion. You will design, produce and present an array of pastries, cakes, breads and desserts for events, from concept to service, with a focus on quality and visual appeal.

The role requires strong pastry technique, knowledge of costing and portion control, and the ability to lead and train junior staff in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Qualifications

• Proven pastry experience in catering or fine dining environments.
• Expertise in pastries, doughs, creams, chocolate work and sugar art.
• Strong costing and portion-control knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Design, prepare, and present pastries, cakes, breads and desserts for catering events.
• Develop innovative pastry recipes and seasonal specials.
• Manage pastry section including inventory and waste reduction.
• Maintain hygiene and food safety standards in the pastry kitchen.
• Train and supervise junior pastry staff.
• Collaborate with Head Chef on menu planning and execution.

Skills

Pastry

High-volume catering

Dessert design

Hygiene & food safety

Inventory & costing

Leadership & training

Education

Culinary qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a talented and creative Pastry Chef to elevate their dessert offerings for their catering services in Centurion . This role requires a dedication to the art of pastry, with a focus on creating exquisite cakes, pastries, and desserts for a variety of events. You will be responsible for all aspects of the pastry section, from conceptualization and production to presentation, ensuring that every sweet creation delights the palate and meets our client's high standards. This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled pastry artist to make a significant impact and showcase their talent.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, prepare, and beautifully present a wide range of pastries, cakes, breads, and desserts for catering events.
• Develop innovative pastry recipes and seasonal specials to enhance the menu offerings.
• Manage the pastry section, including inventory control, ordering of ingredients, and waste reduction.
• Maintain exceptional standards of hygiene and food safety within the pastry kitchen.
• Train and supervise junior pastry assistants and commis chefs.
• Collaborate with the Head Chef to ensure cohesive menu planning and execution.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Pastry Chef , preferably in a high-volume catering or fine dining environment.
• Comprehensive knowledge of pastry techniques, doughs, creams, chocolate work, and sugar art.
• Strong understanding of food costing and portion control.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• A creative flair for dessert design and presentation.
• Relevant culinary qualifications or equivalent experience.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to work with premium ingredients and state-of-the-art equipment.
• Creative freedom in menu development and dessert innovation.
• Supportive team environment with opportunities for growth.
• Access to professional development and workshops.