At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a talented team to create exceptional bakery and pastry products.
- Company: Join Bents, a vibrant bakery with a passion for quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy 28 days annual leave, discounts, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours with excellent career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a brand-new Bakery & Pastry Kitchen and innovate delicious treats.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in artisan baking and team leadership required.
We are recruiting for a Head Baker to join our Bakery & Pastry team at Bents!
What's the role?
We are looking for an experienced and passionate Head Baker to lead our Bakery & Pastry Team. This is an ideal role for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, enjoys leading a talented team, and takes pride in producing exceptional bakery and pastry products.
As our Head Baker, you will be responsible for overseeing all bakery and pastry production across the business, ensuring the highest standards of quality, consistency and presentation are maintained at all times. You'll play a key role in developing new products, managing costs and leading your team from our brand‑new Bakery & Pastry Kitchen, opening in September.
Your daily role will include;
- Leading and managing a Bakery & Pastry brigade of 8 colleagues.
- Overseeing the production of all bakery and pastry products for Bents, including the Food Hall and Hospitality departments.
- Creating and costing monthly bakery and pastry specials.
- Managing food GP% and ensuring products are produced efficiently and profitably.
- Completing daily and weekly ordering of ingredients and supplies.
- Carrying out monthly stock audits and maintaining accurate stock control.
- Ensuring full compliance with HACCP procedures, food safety and Health & Safety legislation.
- Supporting the wider kitchen operation and providing cover for the Head Chef when required.
- Developing new bakery and pastry products for the Food Hall, including product costing.
- Coaching, developing and motivating your team to deliver consistently high standards.
Our ideal Head Baker will have the below skills and experience;
You will have a proven background in artisan bakery and pastry production, with previous experience leading a team within a busy commercial kitchen or bakery.
Essential
- Previous experience as a Head Baker, Senior Baker or similar leadership role.
- Strong artisan bread, pastry and bakery production skills.
- Experience managing and developing a team.
- Excellent knowledge of food safety, HACCP and Health & Safety procedures.
- Experience with stock control, ordering and cost management.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to plan production effectively.
- A passion for innovation and creating high‑quality bakery products.
Desirable
- Experience developing retail bakery products.
- Previous experience managing food GP and product costing.
- Experience supporting wider kitchen operations.
- Relevant Bakery, Pastry or Professional Cookery qualifications.
Other details of the Head Baker role;
- This is a full‑time permanent role, working an average of 40 hours per week, following successful completion of probation, you will move on toworking an alternative weekend shift pattern. A flexible approach is required.
- The role is based within our brand‑new Bakery & Pastry Kitchen, opening in September.
- Salary: £34,000 - £36,000 per annum, depending on experience.
Why work for us?
- 28 days annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays, increasing to 33 days with length of service.
- Free onsite parking.
- Colleague discount from the day you join along with Family & Friends discount days.
- Long service awards.
- Birthday leave.Company pension scheme.
- Colleague recognition schemes.
- Free colleague & family events.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Onsite Colleague Bistro and excellent colleague facilities.
- Discounted Gym Membership.
- Training and development opportunities.
Head Baker in Warrington employer: Van Voorden Foundry
Van Voorden Foundry in Warrington is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises safety and employee well-being. With competitive pay and a range of benefits including annual leave, discounts, and training opportunities, employees are encouraged to grow and develop their skills in a dynamic environment. The proactive approach to maintenance ensures that every team member plays a vital role in the smooth operation of the site, making it a rewarding place to work.
