Pastry Sous Chef

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Pastry Sous Chef in Paarl, Western Cape to assist the Pastry Chef with daily production of desserts, pastries, and breads for events. You will ensure quality, safety, and efficient kitchen operations in a dynamic catering environment.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years in a pastry kitchen, strong pastry techniques, and a professional culinary background focused on pastry arts. Flexibility for event hours and weekend work is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years in a pastry kitchen, preferably catering or hotel.
• Strong pastry techniques and recipes.
• Good knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Able to work independently and in a team, with strong organizational skills.
• Willingness to work flexible hours for events in Paarl.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Pastry Chef in daily production of all desserts, pastries, breads and baked goods.
• Ensure consistency in quality, taste and presentation of pastry items.
• Support inventory management, receive stock, and store ingredients properly.
• Maintain high cleanliness and organization in the pastry section per hygiene rules.
• Assist in training junior pastry cooks and kitchen staff.
• Contribute ideas for new dessert and pastry offerings.
• Collaborate with the culinary team to meet event deadlines.
• Monitor equipment and report maintenance needs promptly.

Skills

Pastry techniques

Teamwork

Food safety

Attention to detail

Inventory awareness

Education

Professional culinary training (pastry arts)

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled and dedicated Pastry Sous Chef to support the Pastry Chef in managing the pastry operations for their esteemed catering services in Paarl, Western Cape. This role is integral to producing a wide array of exquisite desserts, breads, and baked goods for various events. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical pastry skills, a passion for creating delicious and visually appealing items, and the ability to work effectively within a team. You will assist in daily production, quality control, and maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and organization within the pastry kitchen. This is a great opportunity for an ambitious pastry professional to hone their skills and grow within a reputable catering company.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the Pastry Chef in the daily production of all desserts, pastries, breads, and other baked goods.
• Ensure consistency in quality, taste, and presentation of all pastry items.
• Support in managing inventory levels, receiving stock, and ensuring proper storage of ingredients.
• Maintain a high standard of cleanliness and organization in the pastry section, adhering to all food safety and hygiene regulations.
• Assist in training and guiding junior pastry cooks and kitchen staff.
• Contribute creative ideas for new dessert and pastry offerings.
• Work collaboratively with the culinary team to ensure timely execution of all pastry orders for events.
• Monitor equipment and report any maintenance needs promptly.

Requirements

• Professional culinary training with a focus on pastry arts.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in a pastry kitchen role, preferably within a catering or hotel environment.
• Solid understanding of fundamental pastry techniques and recipes.
• Good knowledge of food safety and sanitation practices.
• Ability to work efficiently and accurately, both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including weekends and public holidays, as required for events in Paarl, Western Cape.
• A positive attitude and a passion for pastry making.
• Basic understanding of inventory control and cost management is advantageous.

Benefits

A competitive salary is offered, along with the opportunity to gain valuable experience in a dynamic catering environment. You will work with a supportive team and have access to quality ingredients and equipment. This role provides a platform for professional development and career progression within the catering industry. Enjoy the scenic beauty and culinary heritage of Paarl, Western Cape while advancing your pastry career.