Senior Pastry Chef - Cape Town

HotelJobs; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 480,000 - 600,000; Full time

Job summary

HotelJobs in Cape Town is seeking a Senior Pastry Chef to lead the pastry section of a high-end restaurant. You will oversee the preparation of desserts, pastries, breads and baked goods, while supporting the Head Chef and developing the pastry team.

The role requires a culinary or pastry qualification, at least 5 years of pastry experience in a professional kitchen, and a proven ability to lead under pressure in a high-volume, luxury hospitality setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years 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 the pastry section and manage daily operations before service.
• Prepare and present desserts, pastries, breads and baked goods to standard.
• Maintain quality, portion control and attention to detail.
• Supervise junior pastry chefs, allocate tasks and train staff.
• Assist with seasonal menu development and new dessert concepts.
• Assist with ingredient ordering, stock control and inventory management.
• Apply FIFO and minimise wastage.
• Maintain a clean, organised and safe pastry kitchen.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene and health standards.
• Monitor equipment care and report maintenance needs.

Skills

Team leadership

Creativity

Time management

Communication

Problem solving

Education

Culinary or pastry qualification

Job description

A high-end Restaurant in Cape Town is looking for an experienced and creative Senior Pastry Chef to lead its pastry section. The successful candidate will oversee the preparation of exceptional desserts, pastries, breads and baked goods while supporting the Head Chef and developing the pastry team.

Duties

• Manage the daily operations of the pastry section and ensure readiness before each service.
• Prepare and present desserts, pastries, breads and baked goods according to approved recipes and presentation standards.
• Maintain consistent quality, portion control and attention to detail.
• Supervise junior pastry chefs, allocate tasks and provide practical training.
• Assist with seasonal menu development and new dessert concepts.
• Assist with ingredient ordering, stock control and inventory management.
• Apply FIFO stock rotation and minimise ingredient wastage.
• Maintain a clean, organised and safe pastry kitchen.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene and health and safety standards.
• Monitor equipment care, report maintenance concerns and support other kitchen sections when required.

Requirements

• A relevant culinary or pastry qualification.
• A minimum of 5 years’ relevant pastry experience in a professional kitchen.
• Experience in a high-volume kitchen.
• Previous 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.
• Proven ability to lead a team and work effectively under pressure.
• Creativity; attention to detail and a commitment to quality.
• Strong communication, teamwork and problem-solving skills.