About Company
Java House is a leading coffee house and casual dining chain in East Africa, celebrated for its premium coffee, delectable food, and warm, inviting ambiance. Established in 1999, we’ve grown to become a beloved household name, consistently delivering exceptional culinary experiences across numerous locations. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction drives everything we do, from sourcing the finest ingredients to crafting memorable dishes and desserts. We believe in fostering a vibrant work culture where passion for food meets professional growth, and every team member contributes to our legacy of excellence. At Java House, you’re not just joining a company; you’re becoming part of a family dedicated to delighting palates and creating lasting memories for our diverse customer base.
Job Description
Are you a culinary artist with a sweet tooth and an unwavering passion for pastry? Do you dream in flavors and textures, constantly innovating to create the next show-stopping dessert? Java House, East Africa’s premier coffee house and casual dining chain, is seeking an exceptionally talented and imaginative Pastry Chef Dessert Specialist to join our dynamic culinary team in Hurlingham, Nairobi. This pivotal role is more than just baking; it’s about crafting an unforgettable dessert experience that complements our diverse menu and delights our loyal customers, solidifying Java House’s reputation for culinary excellence from savory to sweet.
As our Pastry Chef Dessert Specialist, you will be the creative force behind our dessert offerings, responsible for conceptualizing, developing, and executing a wide array of high-quality pastries, cakes, tarts, cookies, and other exquisite sweet treats. Your expertise will extend to both classic favorites and innovative, contemporary desserts that reflect current culinary trends while staying true to Java House’s commitment to freshness and quality. You will work closely with the Head Chef and culinary management to align dessert creations with our brand identity, seasonal themes, and customer preferences, ensuring a consistent standard of excellence across all products. This role demands not only exceptional technical baking skills but also a keen eye for elegant presentation, a meticulous attention to detail, and an undeniable flair for innovative flavor combinations that surprise and delight.
You will manage the entire dessert production process, from meticulous ingredient selection and precise mise en place to expert baking, intricate decorating, and artful final plating. Your responsibilities will include overseeing inventory specific to the pastry section, managing ingredient costs, and working towards reducing food waste without compromising on quality. Maintaining a pristine and organized pastry section, adhering strictly to all food safety and hygiene regulations (HACCP principles), and optimizing ingredient usage will be key aspects of your daily routine. We are looking for a specialist who can thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume environment, collaborate effectively with the broader kitchen staff, mentor junior colleagues, and continuously elevate our dessert program through innovation and consistent quality. If you are ready to bring your creativity, precision, and passion to a brand that values culinary artistry and customer satisfaction, we invite you to sweeten our team and leave your delicious, distinctive mark on Java House. Join us in shaping delightful moments, one perfect dessert at a time.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and implement innovative dessert menus and recipes for various Java House outlets.
- Prepare and bake a wide range of pastries, cakes, tarts, cookies, and other desserts with precision and consistency.
- Ensure all desserts meet the highest standards of quality, taste, and aesthetic presentation.
- Manage and monitor inventory for pastry ingredients, ordering supplies as needed to maintain stock levels.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and hygienic pastry workstation and equipment in accordance with food safety standards.
- Train and mentor junior kitchen staff on pastry techniques and best practices.
- Collaborate with the Head Chef and kitchen team to integrate dessert offerings with the overall menu.
- Control food costs by optimizing ingredient usage and minimizing waste.
- Stay updated with industry trends and techniques to continually enhance Java House's dessert offerings.
- Adhere to all health and safety regulations and company policies.
Required Skills
- Proven expertise in various pastry and baking techniques.
- Strong understanding of flavor profiles and food pairings.
- Exceptional creativity and innovation in dessert development.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- High attention to detail and precision in execution.
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills.
- Proficiency in maintaining high standards of hygiene and food safety.
Preferred Qualifications
- Diploma or degree in Culinary Arts, Pastry Arts, or a related field.
- Experience with high-volume production in a restaurant or hotel setting.
- Certification in Food Safety and Hygiene (e.g., HACCP).
- Portfolio showcasing previous pastry and dessert creations.
- Experience in menu costing and inventory management.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary package.
- Comprehensive health insurance.
- Meal allowance/staff meals during shifts.
- Opportunities for professional development and culinary training.
- Vibrant and supportive work environment.
- Employee discounts on Java House products.
- Annual leave and sick leave benefits.
- Opportunity to work with a leading brand in East Africa's hospitality sector.
How to Apply
To apply for this exciting opportunity, please click on the application link below. Prepare your comprehensive CV and a cover letter detailing your experience and passion for pastry. We encourage you to include a link to your portfolio or images of your dessert creations if available. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.