Senior Pastry Chef - Bespoke Cakes & Desserts

Placements24; Gauteng; Hybrid; ZAR 360,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Pastry Chef for a luxury caterer in Tembisa, Gauteng. You will lead the pastry section, design high-end desserts and bespoke cakes, and collaborate with the Executive Chef on events.

This role demands artistic pastry skills, leadership, cost awareness, and strict food safety. You’ll mentor junior staff, manage production schedules, and craft menus for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of progressive pastry experience focused on high-end desserts and custom cakes.
• Formal pastry or baking qualification from a reputable institution.
• Proven ability to design intricate and artistic pastry creations.
• Expertise in sugar work, chocolate sculpting, and advanced cake decorating.
• Strong leadership and team-building skills.
• Proficiency in recipe costing and inventory management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the pastry department and supervise dessert creation.
• Develop innovative pastry menus and concepts.
• Ensure the highest standards of quality, taste, and presentation.
• Manage ingredients sourcing, inventory, and cost control.
• Train and mentor junior pastry staff.
• Collaborate with Executive Chef and event coordinators to meet client specs.
• Maintain strict food safety and sanitation practices.
• Experiment with flavours and techniques to stay ahead of trends.
• Manage production schedules for timely delivery.
• Uphold brand commitment to excellence and creativity.

Skills

Leadership

Dessert design

Sugar work

Chocolate sculpting

Cake decorating

Menu development

Costing & inventory

Education

Formal pastry or baking qualification

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly sought-after luxury caterer specializing in bespoke cakes and intricate desserts, is looking for a talented Senior Pastry Chef to join their creative team in Tembisa, Gauteng . This pivotal role involves leading the pastry section, designing and executing exquisite sweet creations for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations. The ideal candidate will possess an artistic vision, meticulous attention to detail, and a deep understanding of patisserie techniques. You will be instrumental in elevating our client's reputation for delivering unparalleled dessert experiences, working with premium ingredients and innovative designs. This is a fantastic opportunity for a pastry artist looking to make their mark in a dynamic and prestigious catering environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the pastry department, overseeing all aspects of dessert and cake creation.
• Develop innovative and visually stunning pastry menus and dessert concepts.
• Ensure the highest standards of quality, taste, and presentation for all pastry items.
• Manage pastry kitchen operations, including ingredient sourcing, inventory control, and cost management.
• Train and mentor junior pastry chefs and kitchen assistants.
• Collaborate closely with the Executive Chef and event coordinators to meet client specifications.
• Maintain strict adherence to food safety, hygiene, and sanitation protocols.
• Experiment with new flavours, ingredients, and techniques to stay at the forefront of pastry trends.
• Manage production schedules to ensure timely delivery of all orders.
• Uphold the brand's commitment to excellence and creativity.

Requirements

• Minimum of 4 years of progressive experience as a Pastry Chef, with a strong focus on high-end desserts and custom cakes.
• Formal pastry or baking qualifications from a reputable institution.
• Proven ability to create intricate and artistic dessert designs.
• Expertise in a wide range of pastry techniques, including sugar work, chocolate sculpting, and advanced cake decorating.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and team-building skills.
• Proficiency in recipe development, costing, and inventory management.
• Knowledge of food safety standards and best practices.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment.
• Creative mindset with a passion for innovation in pastry arts.
• Must be adept at working collaboratively in a fast-paced kitchen setting in Tembisa, Gauteng .

Benefits

Our client offers an attractive salary package, reflective of your expertise, and a comprehensive benefits plan. This includes opportunities for professional growth, exposure to high-profile events, and a creative work environment. You will work with top-tier ingredients and have the autonomy to push the boundaries of pastry artistry. This role is based in Tembisa, Gauteng , offering a chance to join a celebrated team that consistently delivers exceptional culinary experiences. Enjoy a position where your artistic talents in pastry are truly valued and celebrated.