Job Description
About the Role
A prestigious luxury safari lodge in Pongola, KwaZulu-Natal is seeking an experienced Senior Pastry Chef to join their culinary team. This is an exciting opportunity in the hospitality industry to lead the pastry section of a high-end Big 5 lodge, creating exceptional desserts, artisan breads, and baked goods for international guests.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare, bake, and present pastries, breads, desserts, and confectionery to five-star lodge standards
- Develop new dessert concepts, seasonal menus, and specialty offerings in collaboration with the Executive Chef
- Ensure consistency, portion control, and adherence to recipes and plating standards
- Supervise, mentor, and develop junior pastry staff
- Monitor inventory, manage food costs, and minimise wastage
- Maintain cleanliness, organisation, and proper storage of ingredients and equipment
- Contribute to the overall guest experience by ensuring all desserts reflect the lodge’s luxury brand
- Collaborate with the culinary team on special events, banquets, and private dining experiences
Requirements
- Proven experience as a Pastry Chef in a luxury lodge, five-star hotel, or fine dining environment
- Formal culinary qualification (Pastry specialisation advantageous)
- Expertise in artisan breads, plated desserts, and contemporary pastry techniques
- Knowledge of food cost control, inventory management, and waste reduction
- Strong leadership and mentorship skills for junior pastry staff
- Knowledge of South African hygiene, food safety, and health regulations
- Ability to work efficiently under pressure in a fast-paced luxury hospitality setting
Qualifications
Formal culinary qualification (Pastry specialisation advantageous)
Salary & Benefits
R35 000 – R40 000 depending on experience
How to Apply
Click the green “Go Apply” button below to apply directly online with the employer.
About Catering / hospitality Jobs in UPhongolo
In UPhongolo, South Africa, the catering and hospitality industry is a significant sector, often contributing to the local economy through tourism, events, and everyday food service. Typically, this field experiences fluctuating demand, with peak seasons in summer and holiday periods. As such, professionals working in this sector must be adaptable and prepared for variable workload patterns.
Generally, catering and hospitality roles in UPhongolo offer a range of salary options, often falling within the R300 000 to R600 000 per annum bracket, depending on experience, company size, and industry sector. Salaries can vary widely due to factors such as qualifications, years of service, and specific job responsibilities. However, it is essential to note that actual salaries may differ significantly from these broad estimates.
Common skills for catering and hospitality roles typically include excellent communication and interpersonal skills, attention to detail, ability to multitask under pressure, basic knowledge of food preparation and presentation, strong customer service skills, organisational and time management abilities, and a willingness to work flexible hours. In some cases, technical certifications or specific industry qualifications may also be beneficial for career advancement.
The catering and hospitality industry is diverse, with various sectors employing these roles. Financial services sector establishments often have large food and beverage operations, while technology companies may host corporate events requiring catering services. Manufacturing and retail industries also frequently require catering staff to manage their in-house restaurants or canteens.
In this field, career development opportunities are common. Many professionals start as entry-level positions or trainees and progress to management roles or specialist areas such as food and beverage control or menu planning after a few years of experience. Additionally, there are various training programs and certifications available for those looking to advance their skills or transition into related fields like hotel management or culinary arts.
This information provides general career guidance. Actual salaries and requirements vary by employer.
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