Lead Pastry Chef

Sonoma Baking Company; Byron Bay; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Sonoma Baking Company invites a skilled Pastry Chef to Byron Bay to lead the launch of a high-performing pastry operation. You will shape quality standards, oversee production and build a capable team in a brand-new local operation.

You'll work closely with our NPD Chef to roll out new products and procedures while championing HACCP and safety. This leadership role requires a professional pastry background and a calm, detail-oriented approach in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Leadership experience in pastry leadership roles within a commercial production environment.
• Strong pastry and baking expertise with understanding of pastry theory and food safety.
• Proven track record in leading shifts, developing teams and meeting tight production deadlines.
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality and consistency.
• Ability to stay calm, organized and effective in a fast-paced, high-pressure setting.
• Clear communication and collaborative approach.
• Full working rights in Australia.

Responsibilities

• Lead production shifts and deliver a wide range of pastries and viennoiserie to exacting standards.
• Oversee weighing, mixing, laminating, proofing and baking for high-volume production.
• Operate rack ovens, troubleshoot production issues and maintain product quality.
• Train the team and roll out new products, methods and procedures with the NPD Chef.
• Champion HACCP, OHS and WHS requirements and maintain a safe workspace.

Skills

Pastry leadership

Baking expertise

Food safety

Team development

Communication

Tools

Rack ovens

Job description

For more than 25 years, Sonoma Baking Company has grown from humble beginnings into one of Australia’s most respected artisan bakeries. We are known for exceptional handcrafted bread and pastries—and for a team culture built on craft, care and pride in every product.

Now, we’re bringing Sonoma to Byron Bay. As we build our new local team, we’re looking for an experienced Pastry Chef to take a key leadership role in launching and shaping a high-performing pastry operation from the ground up.

Pastry Chef - Byron Bay

The opportunity:

• Make your mark: Help establish our Byron Bay pastry operation and set the standard for quality, consistency and team performance.
• Lead production: Manage baking shifts and deliver a wide range of pastries and viennoiserie to exacting standards.
• Own the detail: Oversee accurate weighing, mixing, laminating, proofing and baking for high-volume production.
• Drive consistency: Confidently operate rack ovens, troubleshoot production issues and maintain exceptional product quality.
• Build capability: Work closely with our NPD Chef to train the team and roll out new products, methods and procedures.
• Keep standards high: Champion HACCP, OHS and WHS requirements and maintain a safe, clean and well-organised workspace.

What you’ll bring

• Extensive experience in a similar Pastry Chef or pastry leadership role within a commercial production environment.
• Strong professional pastry and baking expertise, including a sound understanding of pastry theory, techniques and food safety.
• Proven experience leading shifts, supporting team development and delivering to tight production deadlines.
• A sharp eye for detail and a genuine commitment to quality and consistency.
• The ability to stay calm, organised and effective in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Clear communication, a collaborative approach and a positive, reliable attitude.
• Full working rights in Australia.

Why join Sonoma?

This is more than a production role—it’s an opportunity to help shape a new team and build the culture of our Byron Bay operation from day one. You’ll work with skilled people who care deeply about their craft, contribute to products with an outstanding reputation and play a visible role in our next chapter of growth.

Ready to rise with us?

If you’re an accomplished pastry professional who’s excited by the chance to lead, build and create in Byron Bay, we’d love to hear from you.