Senior Pastry Chef

Kendrick Recruitment; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced Senior Pastry Chef to join a contemporary restaurant in Cape Town. You will lead a talented pastry team, design innovative desserts, and ensure top-tier presentation and quality across the pastry department.

Ideal candidates bring strong pastry skills, leadership experience, and a passion for luxury hospitality. The role focuses on menu development, cost control, and maintaining high standards in a fast-paced kitchen.

Qualifications

• Senior pastry chef with leadership experience.
• Strong pastry technical skills and eye for detail.
• Experience mentoring a pastry team in a luxury hospitality setting.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation, production and presentation of pastries, desserts, cakes and baked goods.
• Develop innovative and seasonal dessert menus to match the restaurant's contemporary style.
• Oversee daily pastry kitchen operations ensuring consistency and quality.
• Mentor and train junior pastry staff to maintain high standards.
• Monitor stock levels, manage ordering and control food costs while minimising wastage.
• Ensure strict food safety, hygiene and sanitation standards.

Skills

Pastry skills

Leadership

Menu development

Food costing

Hygiene & safety

Education

Culinary qualification (pastry)

Job description

Senior Pastry Chef – Cape Town, Western Cape

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced and creative Senior Pastry Chef to join a contemporary restaurant in Cape Town. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled pastry professional with a passion for innovation, exceptional presentation and high-quality desserts to take a leading role within a dynamic culinary environment.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the preparation, production and presentation of a wide range of high-quality pastries, desserts, cakes and baked goods.
• Develop innovative and seasonal dessert menus that complement the restaurant’s contemporary culinary style.
• Oversee daily pastry kitchen operations, ensuring consistency, quality and attention to detail.
• Lead, train and support junior pastry team members, maintaining high standards of performance and professionalism.
• Monitor stock levels, manage ordering and control food costs while minimising wastage.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene and sanitation standards.
• Collaborate with the Head Chef and wider kitchen team to deliver a seamless dining experience.
• Stay informed about current pastry trends and introduce creative techniques and ideas where appropriate.

Requirements:

• Proven experience as a Senior Pastry Chef or in a similar senior pastry role within a reputable restaurant or luxury hospitality establishment.
• A relevant culinary qualification in pastry or baking would be advantageous.
• Strong technical pastry skills, creativity and an excellent eye for detail.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and experience managing or mentoring a pastry team.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced kitchen.
• A solid understanding of food costing, stock control and kitchen hygiene standards.
• A professional attitude, strong work ethic and commitment to consistently delivering exceptional culinary standards.

Salary: Negotiable, depending on experience.

Candidates who meet the requirements and are passionate about contemporary pastry and dessert innovation are invited to submit their CVs for consideration.