Job Description

Closing Date 2025/07/28
Reference Number SAA250722-1
Job Title Sous Chef Pastry
Division Airchefs
Business Unit N/A
Job Type Permanent
Location - Country South Africa
Location - Province Gauteng
Location - Town / City Kempton Park
Job Purpose
To support the Head Chef in leading the pastry and bakery section, ensuring the production of high-quality baked goods and desserts for all airline flights. The role ensures adherence to airline menu specifications, food safety standards, and production timelines, while driving operational efficiency and team performance.
Principal Accountabilities

• Plan and oversee daily production based on airline schedules and forecasted volumes
• Place and manage stock orders using system figures and recipe interpretation
• Ensure effective stock management, including FEFO/FIFO practices and participation in stock takes
• Maintain accurate SAP system functions: stock reservation, production order confirmations, and stock reconciliation
• Create job cards and ensure output aligns with recipe specs and quality standards
• Monitor extras, ensure sign-off and handover to the uplift team
• Lead daily meal tastings and ensure spec compliance (portion control, plating, etc.)
• Innovate and contribute to the creation of new dessert items and baked products
• Lead and supervise a team of pastry and bakery staff
• Set and monitor performance targets aligned with production objectives, and review individual and team performance; address gaps and drive improvements
• Manage shifts, weekend standbys, and irregular hours as required
• Participate in recruitment, training, and mentoring of kitchen staff
• Design and implement effective shift schedules based on production plans and flight schedules
• Coordinate with QC and stores to manage expiry dates and ingredient usage
• Escalate deviations following proper procedures and ensure resolution
• Respond promptly to customer queries and complaints
• Drive R&D efforts in pastries and introduce innovative offerings in line with airline and market trends
• Enforce food safety and hygiene standards (HACCP, FSSC 22000)
• Complete and submit CCP documentation and participate in internal food safety audits
• Ensure use of protective clothing and hygiene practices
• Monitor the implementation of SHEQ (Safety, Health, Environment, and Quality) policies
• Report and investigate any safety incidents or deviations
• Adhere to all company policies and legal obligations
• Ensure full compliance with production protocols, food safety, and environmental standards
• Take responsibility for minimizing production risks and implementing improvements
• Execute additional duties as reasonably instructed by the Head Chef or senior management

Qualifications & Experience

• Diploma or Degree in Culinary Arts, Bakery Arts, Professional Cookery, Food Production, or related field
• 4-6 years experience in the catering and hotel industry, airline industry will be preferential
• 2-4 years experience in a professional pastry kitchen with skills in:

• Laminated doughs
• Mousses and plated desserts
• Chocolate tempering
• Sugar work
• Cake Baking
• SAP system experience is advantageous
• Food Safety Management experience
• Computer literate: MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Must have a Valid Driver's License

Knowledge and Skills

• Deep understanding of GMP, HACCP, FSSC 22000, and food hygiene
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Knowledge of industrial relations and staff coaching
• Business acumen and understanding of kitchen cost control
• SHEQ system knowledge and implementation skills
• Ability to work under pressure in a high-volume, fast-paced environment
• Strategic planning capability and a drive for continuous improvement
• Calm under pressure: Maintains performance and precision in time-sensitive pastry work
• Creative and innovative: Brings fresh ideas and improves dessert presentations
• Detail-oriented and diligent: Adheres strictly to hygiene and allergen guidelines
• Collaborative: Works seamlessly with kitchen and FOH teams
• Punctual and reliable: Understands the critical nature of flight schedules and precise execution

Attributes

• Emotional Intelligence
• Problem solving skills
• Achievement orientation
• Customer service orientation
• Teamwork and cooperation
• Creativity and resourcefulness

Additional Information
Air Chefs SOC Ltd is a premium food solutions company with over 40 years of experience.
A wholly owned subsidiary of South African Airways, we are uniquely positioned to deliver exceptional food and hospitality services across air, corporate, and event sectors. With three strategically located operational units in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban, we have the capacity to produce over 50000 meals daily, serving domestic and international airlines, airport lounges, events, and corporate canteens.