Senior Pastry Chef

MORE Collection; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 560,000; Full time

Job summary

MORE Collection in South Africa is seeking a Senior Pastry Chef to lead the pastry section, ensuring consistent preparation and presentation of high‑quality desserts, pastries and baked goods.

You will supervise the pastry team, assist with menu development, maintain hygiene and safety standards, and drive creativity in a fast‑paced fine‑dining kitchen. The role requires a relevant culinary or pastry qualification and a minimum of five years’ experience in a professional kitchen.

Qualifications

• Relevant culinary or pastry qualification.
• Minimum of 5 years' relevant pastry experience in a professional kitchen.
• Experience in high-volume, fine dining, or luxury hospitality.
• Strong knowledge of pastry production, baking techniques and dessert presentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the daily operations of the pastry section.
• Prepare and present desserts, pastries, breads and baked goods in accordance with company recipes and presentation standards.
• Ensure the pastry section is fully prepared before each service.
• Maintain consistency, quality and creativity across all pastry items.
• Ensure all products meet the restaurant's quality and presentation standards.

Skills

Leadership

Attention to detail

Creativity

Organisation and planning

Time management

Communication

Problem solving

Teamwork

Ability to work under pressure

Quality focused

Education

Culinary or Pastry qualification

Job description

Job Description

Senior Pastry Chef

Job Purpose

The Senior Pastry Chef is responsible for leading and managing the pastry section, ensuring the consistent preparation and presentation of high-quality desserts, pastries, breads and baked goods. The role supports the Sous Chef by supervising the pastry team, maintaining quality standards, assisting with menu development, and ensuring compliance with food safety and hygiene requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Pastry Operations

• Lead and oversee the daily operations of the pastry section.
• Prepare and present desserts, pastries, breads and baked goods in accordance with company recipes and presentation standards.
• Ensure the pastry section is fully prepared before each service.
• Maintain consistency, quality and creativity across all pastry items.
• Ensure all products meet the restaurant's quality and presentation standards.

Team Leadership

• Supervise, support and develop junior pastry chefs and kitchen staff.
• Allocate daily tasks and monitor performance during service.
• Provide coaching and on-the-job training.
• Promote teamwork and maintain a positive working environment.

Food Quality & Presentation

• Ensure all pastry products are prepared using approved recipes and techniques.
• Monitor portion control and product consistency.
• Maintain high standards of presentation and attention to detail.
• Assist with seasonal menu development and new dessert concepts where required.

Stock Control

• Assist with stock ordering and inventory management for the pastry section.
• Monitor stock levels and communicate requirements to the Sous Chef.
• Ensure stock is rotated using FIFO principles.
• Minimise wastage and ensure efficient use of ingredients.

Hygiene & Food Safety

• Ensure compliance with all food safety, hygiene and health and safety standards.
• Maintain a clean, organised and safe pastry kitchen.
• Ensure all equipment is cleaned and maintained correctly.
• Report maintenance concerns where necessary.

General

• Support other kitchen sections where operationally required.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties as requested by management.

Minimum Requirements

• Relevant culinary or pastry qualification.
• Minimum of 5 years' relevant pastry experience in a professional kitchen.
• Experience working in a high-volume kitchen.
• Experience in a reputable fine dining, semi-fine dining, or luxury hospitality establishment.
• Strong knowledge of pastry production, baking techniques and dessert presentation.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to lead a team and work effectively under pressure.

Skills & Competencies

• Leadership
• Attention to detail
• Creativity and innovation
• Organisation and planning
• Time management
• Communication
• Problem solving
• Teamwork
• Ability to work under pressure
• Quality focused