Summary

The Head Baker oversees all aspects of bread and pastry production, ensuring high standards of quality, consistency, and efficiency. This role is both hands-on and supervisory, combining expert baking skills with leadership and team development. The Head Baker is also responsible for maintaining health and safety standards, managing production schedules, team administration and collaborating on menu ideas.

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Responsibilities

​1. Production & Quality Control

• Lead daily production of baked goods, including breads, pastries, and specialty items.
• Ensure consistency and quality across all products.
• Develop and test new recipes in line with seasonal trends and customer preferences.
• Monitor baking times, temperatures, and ingredient ratios for optimal results.
• Make sure bakery, café, pre orders, catering, and wholesale schedules are in adherence to weekly orders.

2. Team Leadership & Training

• Supervise and train the baking team, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
• Create daily production schedules and assign tasks to team members.
• Monitor performance and provide feedback, mentoring junior staff and apprentices.
• Ensure adherence to health and safety standards at all times.

3. Inventory, Cost Control & Pricing

• Monitor ingredient usage to minimise waste and control costs.
• Communicate ingredient needs and shortages to the relevant staff.
• Participate in stock takes and contribute to ordering decisions.
• Keep suppliers lists and product prices up to date.
• Calculate cost prices of new products and keep recipes up to date.

4. Kitchen Operations

• Maintain a clean and organised baking environment, adhering to food safety regulations.
• Ensure all baking equipment is maintained and operational; report issues as needed.
• Oversee opening and/or closing procedures in the baking area.

5. Administration

• Complete monthly rotas for all bakers
• Maintain holiday requests, record absences and calculate monthly hours
• Report to weekly management meetings
• Answer general emails and communications from other departments

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Requirements​

The ideal candidate will be an experienced, hard-working and confident individual with excellent leadership and communication skills, being able to stay calm under pressure and problem-solve in the present moment.

You will need to be incredibly passionate about baking and hospitality, understand our vision and brand values and strive to positively contribute to a growing business.

The job requires a big part of production management so google sheet proficiency and being able to learn how to use our software is imperative. Previous Cybake proficiency is a plus but not a requirement.

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Working Pattern

​Days: Typically scheduled 5 days per week (8 hour days), including at least one weekend day. Time split between office days and hands on shifts.

Start time: between 5:00 AM – 6:00 AM, depending on production needs.

Breaks: Scheduled in line with working hours and in accordance with labor laws.

Flexibility: Occasional adjusted hours during peak seasons, product launches, or special events.

If you are passionate about baking and leadership and are eager to contribute to a vibrant community-focused bakery, we invite you to apply today at Cottonrake Bakery!