📍 Location: The Westin Cape Town, Convention Square, Lower Long Street, Cape Town, 8001
🏨 Brand: Marriott International – Westin Hotels & Resorts
💼 Department: Culinary / Pastry
🕒 Work Model: On-site

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⭐ Job Overview

The Westin Cape Town is looking for a creative, energetic, and highly skilled Head Pastry Chef to lead its world-class pastry kitchen. This is an exciting opportunity for a culinary professional who thrives under pressure, loves crafting exceptional desserts, and can manage a busy, luxury hotel kitchen environment with innovation, precision, and passion.

Reporting to the Executive Sous Chef, you will oversee the pastry team, manage production for à la carte service, functions, and events, and maintain the high standards expected by the Westin brand. Your flair for design, deep pastry knowledge, and ability to train and inspire a team will be essential to elevating our culinary experience.

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🎯 Key Responsibilities

🍰 Pastry Production & Quality Control

• Create, design, and execute a wide range of pastries, desserts, and baked goods.

• Maintain exceptional presentation, consistency, and adherence to Westin standards.

• Oversee preparation for all service periods, functions, banquets, and events.

👩‍🍳 Kitchen Leadership & Staff Coordination

• Train, supervise, and mentor pastry staff to ensure skill development and high performance.

• Delegate tasks effectively to meet tight deadlines and operational needs.

• Communicate clearly and ensure team alignment with daily requirements.

📦 Stock, Budget & Cost Management

• Conduct bi-monthly stock takes and O/E counts.

• Manage food cost, labour productivity, and operational expenses.

• Assist with ordering, supplier communication, and inventory control.

📑 Administration & Menu Development

• Assist with monthly stock counts, function breakdowns, and daily ordering.

• Compile, update, and implement menu recipe cards using Marriott templates.

• Maintain SOP files, MEP lists, handover notes, and administrative records.

📅 Planning & Operational Efficiency

• Ensure deadlines are met across prep, service, administration, and function planning.

• Apply strong time-management and forecasting skills to manage workload.

• Uphold HACCP standards and food safety compliance at all times.

🧁 Additional Duties

• Support the Executive Sous Chef with broader culinary initiatives.

• Perform other kitchen-related tasks as required by operations.

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🎓 Required Experience & Qualifications

📌 5 years’ hands-on kitchen experience in pastry (luxury hotel experience advantageous)
📌 Strong background in both hot & cold kitchen for à la carte and events
📌 Excellent time-management, planning, and organisational skills
📌 Strong interpersonal communication and guest-relations abilities
📌 Proven leadership and supervisory experience in a culinary environment
📌 Strong administrative & computer skills (ordering systems, SOPs, “check” systems)
📌 Knowledge of HACCP, OHS Act, and global food trends
📌 Experience with OE/food stock procedures (advantageous)
📌 Must be able to work shifts, weekends, public holidays, early opens & late closes

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💡 Behavioural Competencies

• Proactive and self-motivated

• Strong attention to detail

• Calm under pressure

• Reliable, flexible, and committed

• Strong team leadership and communication

• Creative, curious, and trend-aware

• Professional work ethic and positive attitude

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🏨 About Westin & Marriott International

At Westin, our mission is to empower guests to be the best version of themselves by delivering wellness-driven hospitality. Marriott International celebrates diversity, embraces individuality, and supports career growth across its global network of extraordinary brands.

As a Westin associate, you’ll thrive in an environment that values passion, wellbeing, adventure, and excellence — both personally and professionally.

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🛡️ Employment Equity Statement

Marriott International is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on any protected basis, including disability, veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law. We value diversity, collaboration, and equal access to opportunity for all associates.

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📄 Best CV Tips for a Head Pastry Chef Application

Boost your chances by ensuring your CV highlights the right strengths:

🍰 1. Showcase Signature Pastry Skills

List:

• Dessert specialties

• Plated dessert styles

• Chocolate & sugar work

• Viennoiserie, bread, tarts, cakes, entremets

👩‍🍳 2. Highlight Leadership Achievements

Mention:

• Team size managed

• Training programs developed

• Staff performance improvements

💰 3. Demonstrate Cost & Stock Management Skills

Include measurable results such as:

• % waste reduction

• Cost savings

• Efficient ordering processes

📝 4. Include Menu Development Experience

Attach portfolio images if possible and reference:

• Menu launches

• Seasonal concepts

• Large-scale event production

⭐ 5. Keep Formatting Clean & Elegant

Use a structured format with:

• Professional summary

• Skills section

• Experience with achievements

• Qualifications & certifications