Pastry Sous Chef

SUMMARY:
A luxury private game reserve in the Klaserie Private Nature Reserve, Limpopo, is seeking a talented and passionate PASTRY SOUS CHEF to join their intimate and dedicated kitchen team.

POSITION INFO:
This is a unique opportunity for a creative pastry professional who is ready to take ownership of the pastry section while also contributing meaningfully to the broader kitchen operation. This lodge values heart and attitude as much as experience — and is committed to developing and growing the right person within a supportive, collaborative environment.

Core Criteria:

• Formal culinary certificate with a strong pastry focus essential
• 4–5-star kitchen experience highly advantageous
• Experience working in a hot kitchen an added advantage
• Strong understanding of pastry techniques, dessert presentation, and baked goods production
• Ability to assist across all kitchen sections and support senior leadership in daily operations
• Solid knowledge of food safety, hygiene, and sanitation standards
• Strong stock control, ordering, and waste management awareness
• Ability to assist with training, mentoring, and guiding junior kitchen staff
• Flexible, hardworking, and able to thrive in a small team environment
• Creative, reliable, and eager to take ownership and grow with the team
• The right attitude and genuine passion for the craft are as important as experience

• Manage and run the pastry section on a daily basis to the highest standards
• Prepare and present high-quality pastries, desserts, breads, and baked items with consistency in taste, presentation, and quality
• Assist with menu development for pastries, desserts, teatime treats, and special events
• Ensure recipes, prep methods, and plating standards are followed correctly at all times
• Take responsibility for mise en place, production planning, and full section readiness for service
• Assist the Executive Chef and Head Chef in the day-to-day running of the full kitchen operation
• Assist in the hot kitchen when required to ensure smooth service across all sections
• Assist with managing the full kitchen operation in the absence of senior leadership
• Support stock control, ordering, receiving, and active reduction of wastage
• Maintain the highest standards of cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety throughout all areas
• Assist in training, mentoring, and guiding junior kitchen staff
• Maintain discipline, professionalism, and a positive team culture in the kitchen at all times