Pastry Sous Chef – Luxury Safari Lodge (Kruger)

HotelJobs; South Africa; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 620,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Live-in accommodation

Meals provided

Standard group benefits

Job summary

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking a skilled Pastry Sous Chef for one of Africa’s premier luxury safari operators, with operations in Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga. You will lead pastry production, mentor junior cooks and uphold world-class standards.

The role requires hands-on pastry leadership, menu input, cost awareness, HACCP compliance, and a passion for conservation aligned with the lodge.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a medium-sized kitchen within a 5* luxury environment.
• Strong pastry background across breads, croissants, Danish pastries, ice-creams, sorbets, cakes, biscuits and desserts.
• Ability to calculate food costs and work within a kitchen budget.
• Good computer literacy.
• Strong understanding of kitchen procedure and timing requirements.
• Wide food knowledge with the ability to contribute to menu design.
• Awareness of dietary requirements and allergen management.
• Ability to train, oversee and develop junior kitchen staff.
• Basic knowledge of labour legislation.
• Full understanding of hygiene protocols, HACCP and food safety.
• Knowledge of cleaning methods, safety procedures and firefighting equipment.
• Passion for the industry and genuine willingness to grow.
• Good personal hygiene, grooming and physical stamina.
• Good communication skills.
• Stable work history with contactable references.

Responsibilities

• Pastry Production & Standards.
• Prepare all pastry items to the highest standard including breads, croissants, Danish pastries, ice-creams, sorbets, cakes, biscuits and desserts.
• Ensure the ultimate food experience for guests in line with the lodge’s food concept.
• Supervise the quality of all food produced and served in a hygienic manner.
• Follow and implement new food concepts and menu updates.
• Financial & Stock Management.
• Run the kitchen in a cost-effective manner within an agreed budget.
• Manage food strategically to reduce waste through portion control and stock rotation.
• Assist with stocktakes, ordering and management of kitchen sections when required.
• Monitor quality and care of equipment and products; minimise breakage.
• Team & Operations.
• Train and develop junior kitchen staff.
• Ensure effective shift handovers on arrival and departure.
• Communicate with departmental teams to ensure guest needs are met and operations run smoothly.
• Implement and maintain Health and Safety procedures throughout.
• Conservation & Sustainability.
• Actively participate in and support the lodge’s conservation message and purpose.

Skills

Pastry expertise

Budgeting

HACCP knowledge

Staff training

Menu design

Dietary awareness

Communication

Hygiene procedures

Labor laws

Stamina

Job description

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking a skilled Pastry Sous Chef for one of Africa’s premier luxury safari operators, with operations in Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga. You will lead pastry production, mentor junior cooks and uphold world-class standards.

The role requires hands-on pastry leadership, menu input, cost awareness, HACCP compliance, and a passion for conservation aligned with the lodge.