At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to create award-winning organic breads and pastries at our Cotswolds Farm.
- Company: Join Daylesford Organic, a pioneer in sustainable farming and lifestyle.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts, private medical insurance, pension contributions, and mental health support.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal development and innovation.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven brand that values quality, sustainability, and community wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Experience in baking and team leadership with a passion for organic food.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
The Bamford Collection is a group of consciously minded lifestyle brands committed to nourishing and nurturing people and planet.
Salary: up to £45,000 per annum
Hours: 45 hours per week
About Us
Daylesford Organic is a pioneering organic farm and lifestyle brand renowned for its unwavering commitment to sustainability, quality, and ethical practices. For more than 20 years, Daylesford has blended traditional farming techniques with innovative methods to produce award-winning organic food, beverages, and home goods. We champion environmentally conscious agriculture, offering everything from fresh produce grown in its 28-acre Market Garden to artisan breads, dairy products, and handcrafted meals prepared on the farm. In addition to its organic farm shops, Daylesford operates cafés, wellness services, and a variety of events, creating an immersive experience centred on health, sustainability, and community wellbeing.
About The Role
As Head Baker, you will lead a small team of dedicated artisan bakers responsible for producing a wide range of award-winning organic breads and viennoiserie, including our accolade of Britain’s Best Sourdough 2025, from our in-house bakery at our Cotswolds Farm. Reporting to the Executive Baker, you will guide the team in crafting exceptional products that uphold Daylesford Organic’s renowned standards of quality and craftsmanship. In this role, you will oversee daily production, manage schedules, and ensure full compliance with food safety and quality certifications such as SALSA and the Soil Association. You will also drive innovation, champion continuous improvement, and support the achievement of key financial targets. With a focus on operational efficiency, team development, and an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction, you will play a pivotal part in ensuring the seamless delivery of outstanding baked goods to our Farm Shops, cafés, pubs, and hotels.
Responsibilities
- Lead the night-shift baking team in producing organic breads and viennoiserie for our Farm Shops, cafés, and Bamford Collection pubs/hotels, seven days a week.
- Maintain the award-winning quality standards of all Daylesford Organic baked goods.
- Drive continuous improvement and support the Executive Baker in developing new products to agreed timelines.
- Support implementation of food safety and traceability processes in line with the Daylesford Quality Management System, SALSA, and Soil Association standards.
- Schedule and allocate staff according to business needs and issue rotas in good time.
- Participate in annual HACCP reviews.
- Ensure cleaning schedules are consistently followed.
- Maintain a safe, compliant working environment for staff and visitors.
- Adhere to internal Technical Team requirements and external audit standards, identifying and resolving any food safety issues.
- Manage daily recipes, stock counts, and production records to ensure financial accuracy.
- Achieve order fulfilment above 98% through effective scheduling, staffing, and raw-material management.
- Oversee night-shift production with care and diligence to minimise waste.
- Support delivery of the Bakery’s financial (EBITDA) targets through careful cost control.
- Line-manage, develop, and motivate the night-shift Bakers.
- Complete all people-related administration and processes promptly.
- Train, coach, and support team members through performance reviews and personalised development plans.
- Ensure all staff complete required mandatory training.
- Proactively propose and implement equipment, process, or staffing improvements to enhance efficiency.
Perks & Benefits
- Discounts: We offer a range of discounts on our products, treatments, and dining experiences from day one.
- Volunteering Days: Employees are offered one paid day per year to volunteer with a charity of their choice.
- Private Medical: We offer subsidised private medical insurance through Bupa.
- Pension Scheme: Pay up to 9% of your salary into your pension each month; we contribute up to 4.5%.
- Life Assurance: We offer life assurance cover, equivalent of up to a year of your annual salary.
- Mental Health Support: Our Employee Assistance Programme provides 24-hour support, seven days a week.
Head Baker employer: Daylesford Organic
Contact Detail:
Daylesford Organic Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Baker
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Bamford Collection and Daylesford Organic inside out. Familiarise yourself with their values, products, and sustainability efforts. This way, when you chat with them, you can show off your passion for their mission and how you fit right in!
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Head Baker role. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common baking-related questions and scenarios. Think about how you would handle challenges in production or lead your team effectively. The more prepared you are, the more confident you'll feel!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on being part of the Daylesford family from the get-go. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Baker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Baking: When you're writing your application, let your love for baking shine through! Share your experiences and what drives you to create exceptional organic breads and pastries. We want to see your enthusiasm for the craft!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Head Baker, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase your leadership experience in your application. Talk about how you've motivated teams in the past and any successful projects you've led. We’re all about teamwork here at Daylesford!
Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous jobs; dive into the details! Mention specific techniques you've mastered, any awards you've received, or unique products you've developed. This helps us understand how you can contribute to our award-winning bakery.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Daylesford Organic
✨Know Your Dough
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of organic baking techniques and the specific products Daylesford is known for. Familiarise yourself with their award-winning sourdough and other artisan breads. This will show your passion for quality and sustainability, which aligns perfectly with their values.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head Baker, you'll be leading a team, so be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Think of examples where you've successfully managed a team, driven innovation, or improved processes in a bakery setting. Highlight how you can motivate and develop your team while maintaining high standards.
✨Understand Food Safety Standards
Make sure you’re well-versed in food safety regulations like SALSA and Soil Association standards. Be ready to discuss how you’ve implemented these in previous roles. This will demonstrate your commitment to maintaining compliance and ensuring a safe working environment.
✨Bring Ideas to the Table
Daylesford values innovation, so come prepared with ideas for new products or improvements to existing ones. Think about trends in organic baking or customer preferences that could inspire new offerings. This shows your proactive approach and willingness to contribute to the brand's success.