Senior Pastry Chef

Kendrick Recruitment; Eersterivier; On-site; ZAR 320,000 - 460,000; Full time

Job summary

Kendrick Recruitment is seeking an experienced and creative Senior Pastry Chef to join a contemporary restaurant in Cape Town, Western Cape. This role leads pastry operations and drives dessert innovation.

You will mentor a pastry team, manage stock and costs, uphold food safety, and collaborate with Head Chef to deliver a refined dining experience.

Qualifications

• Proven senior pastry leadership experience in a reputable restaurant or luxury hospitality.
• Strong technical pastry skills with a keen eye for detail.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop pastry team members.
• Excellent organizational skills in a fast-paced kitchen.
• Solid understanding of food costing, stock control and hygiene standards.
• Professional attitude and commitment to high culinary standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation, production and presentation of pastries, desserts, cakes and baked goods.
• Develop innovative, seasonal dessert menus to complement the restaurant’s style.
• Oversee daily pastry kitchen operations ensuring consistency and quality.
• Train and support junior pastry team members, maintaining high performance.
• Monitor stock levels, manage ordering and minimise wastage while controlling costs.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene and sanitation standards.
• Collaborate with Head Chef and kitchen team to deliver a seamless dining experience.
• Stay informed about pastry trends and implement new techniques where appropriate.

Skills

Leadership

Pastry expertise

Creativity

Attention to detail

Cost control

Education

Culinary qualification in pastry or baking

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.