Commis Pastry

About the role

The President Hotel in Cape Town is looking for a Commis Pastry to join its pastry team. You will assist senior pastry chefs in producing desserts, pastries, cakes and baked goods across a varied hotel operation, including restaurants, buffets, banqueting, conferences and special events.

Key responsibilities

• Assist senior pastry chefs with preparing desserts, pastries, cakes and baked goods.
• Prepare ingredients and mise en place according to daily production requirements.
• Follow recipes, measurements, portion controls and presentation standards accurately.
• Assist with baking, assembling, decorating and plating pastry items under supervision.
• Support pastry production for restaurants, buffets, banqueting, conferences and special events.
• Maintain consistent quality, freshness and presentation.
• Store, label and rotate ingredients correctly while minimising waste.
• Keep workstations, utensils and pastry equipment clean and organised.
• Follow food safety, hygiene, HACCP and allergen-management procedures.
• Report ingredient shortages, equipment faults and quality concerns to senior chefs.
• Develop your pastry skills through training and practical experience, and support the wider kitchen team when required.

Required profile

• Matric certificate (Grade 12).
• Recognised culinary or pastry qualification (essential).
• At least 2 years' relevant experience in a professional pastry kitchen; previous experience in a hotel, restaurant or high-volume pastry operation preferred; experience in a busy 4-star or 5-star hotel advantageous.
• Practical experience assisting with desserts, pastries, cakes and baked goods.
• Availability to work shifts, early mornings, weekends and public holidays.
• Updated CV with contactable references.

Required skills

• Basic knowledge of pastry preparation, baking techniques, ingredients and kitchen equipment.
• Ability to follow recipes, measure ingredients accurately and maintain portion and presentation standards.
• Understanding of food safety, hygiene, HACCP and allergen management.
• Attention to detail, organisation and willingness to learn.
• Ability to work efficiently, follow instructions and support the pastry team during busy periods.

What we offer

• A competitive salary.
• Company contributions toward benefits.
• An opportunity to develop your pastry skills alongside experienced chefs.