Senior Pastry Chef

Bright Placements (PTY) Ltd; Vaalwater; On-site; ZAR 240,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

Bright Placements (PTY) Ltd seeks a skilled pastry chef for a luxury hospitality setting. The role involves leading a pastry team, producing high-quality desserts and breads, and contributing to menu development and costing.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years in a pastry chef role, experience in luxury lodges or fine dining, and a strong focus on hygiene and presentation.

Qualifications

• Formal pastry-focused qualification and relevant culinary training.
• 3–5 years pastry chef experience in luxury hospitality.
• Experience leading a pastry team and cost-aware baking operations.
• Experience with menu development, recipe costing, stock control and food cost management.
• Luxury lodge or fine-dining background is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and develop a pastry team to deliver high-quality pastries.
• Produce desserts, breads, cakes and confectionery with precision.
• Develop menus, cost recipes and manage stock and costs.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene and food safety.

Skills

Pastry skills

Pastry techniques

Leadership

Team management

Organisational skills

Time management

Communication skills

Hygiene and food safety

Food costing

Stock control

Mentoring staff

Presentation

Independence

Education

Professional cookery qualification

Culinary qualification from recognised institution

Food safety/HACCP training

Job description

Qualifications

• Formal qualification in Professional Cookery, Patisserie, Pastry Arts or a related culinary field.
• Culinary qualification from a recognised institution will be advantageous.
• Food safety/HACCP training is advantageous.

Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in a pastry chef role, preferably within a luxury hotel, lodge, resort or fine-dining environment.
• Previous experience in a Senior Pastry Chef / Pastry Sous Chef position is advantageous.
• Proven experience supervising and developing a pastry team.
• Strong experience producing high-quality pastries, desserts, breads, cakes and confectionery.
• Experience with menu development, recipe costing, stock control and food cost management.
• Luxury hospitality or lodge experience is highly advantageous.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent pastry and baking skills.
• Strong knowledge of pastry techniques, ingredients and equipment.
• Creative flair with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong leadership and team-management abilities.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict service deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• High standards of hygiene, cleanliness and food safety.
• Good understanding of food costing and stock control.
• Ability to train and mentor junior staff.Professional appearance and a passion for high-quality food and presentation.
• Ability to work independently as well as within a larger culinary team.