Pastry Chef

Hiring: Experienced Pastry Chef at Empact Group Food Solutions, Franschhoek. 5+ years experience in baking and confectionery required. Lead dessert production and seasonal recipe development. Apply by 31 December 2025!

Company: Empact Group

Location: Franschhoek, Western Cape

Job Type: Fixed-Term Contract

Division: Food Solutions

Experience Level: Mid-Level (5+ Years Experience)

Role Purpose

Empact Group is seeking a talented and creative Pastry Chef to join our culinary team in Franschhoek. In this role, you will be the artisan behind our baked goods, responsible for crafting a wide variety of high-quality pastries, cakes, and desserts. We are looking for a professional who combines technical precision with a flair for presentation, capable of thriving in a fast-paced, high-standard environment.

Key Areas of Impact

Artisan Production & Innovation

• Diverse Baking: Prepare and bake an extensive range of goods—including pastries, cakes, and sophisticated desserts—strictly following established recipes while maintaining exceptional quality.
• Creative Presentation: Decorate and plate baked goods in an appealing, world-class manner suitable for the Franschhoek culinary standards.
• Recipe Development: Collaborate with the culinary team to develop new recipes and seasonal offerings, staying ahead of global baking trends and techniques.

Technical Precision

• Consistency: Meticulously weigh, measure, and mix ingredients to ensure every batch meets brand standards for taste and texture.
• Environment Control: Monitor oven temperatures and equipment settings with precision to ensure optimal baking results.
• Inventory Mastery: Assist in managing inventory levels and the ordering of specialty baking ingredients and supplies.

Kitchen Operations & Hygiene

• Sanitation Leadership: Adhere to all food safety and sanitation regulations (HACCP), ensuring a hygienic and organized workstation.
• Team Collaboration: Coordinate with the wider kitchen staff to plan daily production needs and execute large-scale catering requirements.
• Operational Flexibility: Available to work weekends and evenings as required by the operational demands of the venue.

What You Need to Succeed

Minimum Requirements

• Education: High school diploma; formal training in baking or culinary arts is highly preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years’ professional experience in baking and confectionery with a diverse skill set.
• Certification: Valid Food Handler’s certification.

Core Competencies

• Technical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of various baking techniques, specialized ingredients, and commercial equipment.
• Artistic Flair: Ability to follow recipes accurately while creatively experimenting with flavors and aesthetic presentations.
• Organization: Detail-oriented with the ability to prioritize tasks effectively in a high-pressure environment.
• Communication: Excellent teamwork skills and the ability to convey ideas clearly to the culinary team.

Why Join Empact Group?

• Culinary Excellence: Work in Franschhoek, the food and wine capital of South Africa.
• Transformation Driven: First preference will be given to candidates as per Employment Equity requirements.
• Professional Growth: Gain experience with a leading multi-service provider in a sophisticated hospitality setting.

Job Summary

How to Apply

If you have a passion for pastry and the skills to deliver excellence, please submit your application through the Empact Group Careers Portal.

Note: Empact Group is committed to the secure storage of personal information in accordance with the POPI Act.