About Company
Diamonds Dream of Africa is an exquisite 5-star luxury resort located on the pristine shores of Malindi, Kenya. As part of the prestigious Planhotel Hospitality Group, we offer an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, sophisticated design, and world-class service. Our resort is renowned for its elegant Swahili architecture, lush tropical gardens, and an array of exceptional dining experiences, ranging from authentic local cuisine to international gourmet dishes. We are dedicated to providing our guests with unforgettable moments, ensuring every stay is a journey of relaxation, adventure, and culinary delight. Joining our team means becoming part of a passionate family committed to excellence and creating memorable experiences for our discerning clientele.
Job Description
Diamonds Dream of Africa, a prestigious luxury resort nestled along the stunning shores of Malindi, Kenya, is seeking a highly skilled and imaginative Pastry Chef with a specialized focus on desserts. This is an exceptional opportunity for a culinary artist passionate about crafting exquisite and memorable sweet creations that delight guests from around the world. As our Pastry Chef (Dessert Specialist), you will be the heart of our bakery operations, responsible for developing, preparing, and presenting a diverse range of high-quality desserts, pastries, and baked goods. You will lead the dessert section of our kitchen, ensuring every creation reflects the resort’s commitment to luxury, innovation, and unparalleled guest experience. From intricate plated desserts for fine dining to delectable selections for our buffets and special events, your creativity will know no bounds. You will work closely with the Executive Chef and kitchen team, contributing to menu development, managing inventory, maintaining stringent hygiene standards, and fostering a collaborative and inspiring work environment. We are looking for an individual who is not only technically proficient but also possesses an artistic flair, an eye for detail, and a deep understanding of flavour profiles and presentation, ensuring consistency in quality, taste, and visual appeal across all offerings. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a proven track record in a high-volume, luxury hotel or resort environment, specifically within the pastry and dessert sections. You will be instrumental in upholding our brand’s reputation for culinary excellence, developing new and exciting recipes, and adapting classic ones to suit contemporary tastes and dietary requirements. This role demands a proactive individual who can innovate with seasonal ingredients, manage complex recipes, efficiently lead a small team of junior pastry assistants, and inspire them to achieve culinary perfection. You will be expected to monitor food costs, minimize waste, and implement best practices in food safety and sanitation. Furthermore, the Pastry Chef will play a crucial role in training and mentoring staff, sharing knowledge and expertise to elevate the overall skill level of the kitchen team. An understanding of diverse dietary requirements and the ability to adapt recipes accordingly is also highly valued. If you are ready to bring your dessert mastery to a world-class resort in a breathtaking location, we invite you to join our culinary family and transform raw ingredients into sweet masterpieces, creating unforgettable dining experiences for our discerning guests at Diamonds Dream of Africa.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop, prepare, and present a wide array of high-quality desserts, pastries, breads, and other baked goods, with a special emphasis on plated desserts and complex sweet creations.
- Lead and supervise the daily operations of the pastry section, including menu planning, recipe standardization, and production scheduling.
- Ensure all food preparation and presentation meet the highest standards of taste, quality, and visual appeal, consistent with a luxury resort setting.
- Manage inventory for all pastry ingredients, ensuring optimal stock levels, minimizing waste, and controlling food costs.
- Maintain strict adherence to hygiene, sanitation, and food safety standards (HACCP) in all aspects of pastry production.
- Innovate and create new dessert items, incorporating seasonal ingredients and responding to guest preferences and dietary needs.
- Train, mentor, and supervise junior pastry staff, fostering a positive and productive work environment.
- Collaborate with the Executive Chef and other culinary departments to ensure seamless kitchen operations and menu integration.
- Operate and maintain all pastry equipment safely and efficiently.
- Contribute to special events, banquets, and customized guest requests with unique and exquisite dessert offerings.
Required Skills
- Proven experience as a Pastry Chef or similar role in a luxury hotel or resort environment.
- Exceptional knowledge of pastry techniques, baking principles, and dessert artistry.
- Strong creativity and innovation in dessert development and presentation.
- Ability to manage a fast-paced kitchen environment and work under pressure.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency in inventory management and cost control for the pastry section.
- Thorough understanding of food safety and sanitation regulations (HACCP certification preferred).
- Attention to detail and a passion for culinary excellence.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Preferred Qualifications
- Culinary degree or equivalent professional pastry certification.
- Experience with international cuisine and diverse pastry traditions.
- Fluency in English and/or Swahili.
- Experience managing a pastry team in a high-volume operation.
- Knowledge of current dessert trends and dietary considerations (e.g., gluten-free, vegan options).
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary and service charge opportunities.
- Accommodation provided within the resort vicinity.
- Meals provided while on duty.
- Comprehensive health insurance package.
- Opportunities for professional development and culinary training.
- Dynamic and supportive international work environment.
- Opportunity to work in a beautiful coastal location.
- Employee discounts on resort services.
How to Apply
If you are a talented Pastry Chef eager to bring your expertise to a world-class luxury resort, we encourage you to apply! Please click on the application link below to submit your resume and cover letter. We look forward to reviewing your application.