Pastry Cook at Tenwek Hospital

Job Summary

• The Pastry Cook will be responsible for preparing baked goods, desserts, and special diet pastries for patients, staff, and visitors in the hospital. The role also involves supporting general kitchen operations to ensure smooth food production, hygiene, and timely meal service according to hospital standards.

Key Responsibilities

Pastry and Baking Duties

• Prepare bread, cakes, cookies, chapati, mandazi, scones, and other baked products as per menu.
• Prepare special diet pastries as instructed (low sugar, low salt, soft diet, Gluten free, etc.).
• Ensure all baked products meet hospital nutrition and hygiene standards.
• Plan daily pastry production according to meal schedule.
• Monitor quality, taste, and presentation of baked items.
• Ensure proper storage of baking ingredients.

Support in General Kitchen Operations

• Assist in food preparation for patient meals when required.
• Support cooking team during busy hours or staff shortage.
• Work closely with cooks, service team, and supervisors to ensure smooth service.
• Follow instructions from the Catering Supervisor / Head Chef in charge.

Hygiene and Safety

• Maintain high standards of cleanliness in pastry section and kitchen.
• Follow hospital food safety and infection control policies.
• Ensure proper use of protective clothing (apron, cap, gloves).
• Keep equipment clean and report any damage to supervisor.
• Follow FIFO (First in First Out) when using ingredients.

Stock Control

• Monitor baking ingredients and report shortages.
• Assist in receiving and checking supplies.
• Reduce wastage and use ingredients properly.
• Maintain proper storage in dry store, fridge, and freezer. 

Teamwork and Support

• Work as part of the catering team.
• Be flexible to work in different kitchen sections when required.
• Assist during events, meetings, and special hospital functions.
• Train kitchen assistants when needed.

 Other Duties

• Follow hospital rules and regulations.
• Report to Head Chef.
• Perform any other duty assigned in the kitchen department.

Qualifications

• Certificate / Diploma in Food Production, Pastry, or Catering.
• Experience in bakery / pastry section preferred.
• Experience in hospital or institutional kitchen is an added advantage.

Skills Required

• Baking and pastry skills
• Knowledge of food hygiene
• Teamwork
• Time management
• Ability to work under pressure
• Flexibility in kitchen duties