At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the baking team and enhance product quality through expertise in baking science.
- Company: Join the UK's largest food manufacturer with a strong commitment to quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, Monday to Friday shifts, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on iconic bakery products and drive innovation in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in large-scale bread production and strong knowledge of baking processes.
- Other info: Hands-on role with excellent career development opportunities in a respected bakery.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
Location: Gunstones, Dronfield
Salary: Competitive + Benefits
Shift Pattern: Monday - Friday
About Us
Joining 2 Sisters means becoming part of the UK's largest food manufacturer, with a Β£3 billion+ turnover and over 13,500 employees. Our Gunstones Bakery is a long-standing and respected site, known for producing premium bakery products such as bread rolls and hot cross buns for high-profile retail partners including Marks & Spencer. As part of our continued commitment to quality and excellence, we are investing in strong leadership to help shape the future of this iconic bakery.
About the Role
We are recruiting for a Head Baker to strengthen our technical capability and baking expertise across the site. The role will focus on bringing a deeper understanding of baking science and process control into our large-scale bread production. You'll work closely with production, technical, and process teams to support consistent product quality, drive improvement projects, and help upskill colleagues through practical training and knowledge sharing. This is a hands-on, collaborative role that combines baking knowledge with a focus on continuous improvement, training, and innovation.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as the site's bakery expert, providing guidance on dough development, ingredient functionality, and baking science
- Support NPD (New Product Development), EPD (Existing Product Development), and continuous improvement activities
- Collaborate closely with flour suppliers to optimise performance and consistency
- Provide technical support on mixing, fermentation, and baking parameters to enhance product quality and efficiency
- Work cross-functionally with Technical, Process, and Production teams to identify improvements and solve challenges
About You
This role is ideal for a passionate and knowledgeable baker who thrives in a large-scale manufacturing environment. You'll be equally comfortable getting hands-on with dough as you are explaining the science behind it.
Key Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in large-scale bread production
- Deep understanding of dough processes; energy vs. time balance, fermentation, and baking parameters
- Strong technical knowledge of ingredients and process science
- HACCP Level 4 or Food Safety Level 4 certification
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Practical understanding of quality, food safety, and process improvement in a bakery environment
- Background in Food Science, Bakery Science, or a relevant Further Education qualification (degree not essential)
Head Baker employer: 2 Sisters Food Group
Contact Detail:
2 Sisters Food Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Head Baker
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow bakers, suppliers, and industry contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
β¨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you can, bring samples of your baking to interviews or networking events. Nothing speaks louder than the taste of your creations!
β¨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about your experience! Prepare to discuss specific projects you've worked on, especially those that involved process improvements or new product development. We love hearing about real-life examples.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Gunstones.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Baker
Some tips for your application π«‘
Show Your Passion for Baking: When writing your application, let your love for baking shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you in the world of bread production. We want to see that you're not just skilled, but genuinely excited about the craft.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to detail your experience in large-scale bread production. Weβre looking for someone who knows their dough processes inside out, so donβt hold back on showcasing your technical knowledge and any relevant certifications you have.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to explain your skills and experiences. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why youβd be a great fit for the Head Baker role.
Apply Through Our Website: Donβt forget to submit your application through our website! Itβs the best way for us to receive your details and ensures youβre considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us and what we do at Gunstones.
How to prepare for a job interview at 2 Sisters Food Group
β¨Know Your Baking Science
Brush up on your knowledge of dough development, fermentation, and baking parameters. Be ready to discuss how these elements impact product quality and efficiency, as this will show your technical expertise and passion for the role.
β¨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Prepare examples of how you've worked with cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight any experiences where youβve collaborated with production or technical teams to solve challenges or improve processes, as teamwork is key in this role.
β¨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
Think of specific instances where you've driven improvement projects or upskilled colleagues. Share your approach to training and knowledge sharing, as this aligns perfectly with the companyβs focus on innovation and excellence.
β¨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice explaining complex baking concepts in simple terms. Strong communication skills are essential, so be prepared to present your ideas clearly during the interview, showcasing your ability to engage with both technical and non-technical audiences.