Senior Sous Pastry Chef

Village n Life; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 420,000 - 660,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff housing

Staff facilities access

Job summary

The Bay Hotel, part of Village n Life, seeks a Senior Sous Pastry Chef to lead the pastry and baking operations alongside the Pastry and Head Chefs. You will produce breads, pastries and desserts while upholding high quality and guest experiences in a fast-paced hospitality setting.

Ideal candidates have strong technical pastry knowledge, attention to detail and hands-on leadership skills to mentor a pastry team and contribute to menu development.

Qualifications

• Experience as Senior Pastry Chef or Sous Pastry Chef in 4- or 5-star hospitality.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily pastry kitchen operations and production.
• Supervise pastries, breads, desserts and baked goods.
• Maintain HACCP and food safety standards at all times.
• Assist with menu planning, recipe development and seasonal offerings.
• Monitor stock, costs and wastage; support costing and reporting.
• Lead, train and develop junior pastry team members.
• Coordinate with wider kitchen and service teams for smooth service.
• Support Pastry Chef during absences and provide leadership.

Skills

Senior Pastry Chef

Pastry & desserts

HACCP & food safety

Stock control

Leadership

Food cost management

Job description

This role forms part of the pastry kitchen team at The Bay Hotel, within the Village n Life hospitality group.

The Role

As Senior Sous Pastry Chef, you'll support the Pastry Chef and Head Chef in leading the day-to-day pastry and baking operations, ensuring consistently high standards of quality, presentation and guest experience. This role is suited to a passionate and skilled pastry professional with strong technical knowledge, attention to detail and a hands-on approach.

You'll assist with the preparation and production of breads, pastries, desserts and other sweet offerings while supporting the pastry team, maintaining food safety standards and ensuring efficient production in a fast-paced hospitality environment.

Key Responsibilities

• - Support the Pastry Chef and Head Chef in overseeing daily pastry kitchen operations and production
• - Supervise and coordinate the preparation and production of pastries, breads, desserts and other baked goods
• - Ensure all pastry products are prepared, finished and presented according to Village n Life standards
• - Assist with menu planning, recipe development and seasonal dessert and pastry offerings
• - Maintain consistency in taste, texture, portioning, presentation and quality
• - Assist with developing new pastry and dessert concepts in line with the property's culinary offering
• - Ensure correct preparation, storage and handling of all pastry ingredients and finished products
• - Monitor stock levels, ingredient quality and availability, and assist with ordering requirements
• - Minimise wastage and ensure ingredients are used efficiently and cost-effectively
• - Assist with stock takes, costing and kitchen reporting where required
• - Ensure HACCP, food safety and hygiene standards are consistently maintained
• - Maintain cleanliness and organisation of pastry workstations, equipment, refrigeration and storage areas
• - Supervise, support and train junior pastry team members, ensuring procedures and standards are followed
• - Assist with staff rostering, daily task allocation and production planning
• - Ensure pastry production is completed according to required timelines and service demands
• - Monitor pastry equipment and ensure all equipment is clean, maintained and used correctly
• - Collaborate with the wider kitchen and service teams to ensure smooth and efficient service delivery
• - Assist with special events, functions and guest requirements as needed
• - Contribute to a positive, professional and collaborative kitchen culture
• - Step into the Pastry Chef’s responsibilities when required and provide leadership to the pastry team in their absence

What We’re Looking For

• - Previous experience in a Senior Pastry Chef, Sous Pastry Chef or similar position within a 4 or 5-star hospitality environment
• - Strong technical knowledge of pastry, baking, desserts and confectionery
• - Experience working with fresh, seasonal and high-quality ingredients
• - Strong understanding of food costing, stock control and minimising wastage
• - Knowledge of HACCP, food safety and hygiene procedures
• - Excellent attention to detail with a strong focus on quality and presentation
• - Strong leadership, communication and organisational skills
• - Ability to train, motivate and support junior pastry team members
• - Ability to plan and prioritise production effectively
• - Ability to multitask and perform well under pressure
• - A proactive, creative and hands-on approach to pastry production
• - Ability to work shifts, weekends, public holidays and flexible hospitality hours

What We Offer

• - A professional environment within one of Cape Town's most sought-after hospitality destinations
• - Growth and training opportunities within Village n Life
• - Staff housing options and access to staff facilities
• - Competitive package aligned with experience

Job Location: Camps Bay

Job Category: Food & Beverage

Job Type: Full-time

Experience Level: Mid to Senior level

Job Property: The Bay Hotel