Pastry Chef

Fairbairn Bakery; Emerald; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairbairn Bakery is seeking a hands-on Baker / Pastry Chef to oversee the day-to-day running of our production team in Emerald, QLD. You will actively participate in production while leading a team, organizing shifts and ensuring production runs at a high standard and on schedule.

The role focuses on coaching staff, maintaining hygiene and safety, optimising processes, and driving continuous improvement in a busy bakery environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Baker, Pastry Chef or similar role.
• Experience leading or managing a team.
• Strong organisation with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Reliable, punctual and pride in work.
• Strong communication and people-management skills.
• Experience with stock control and ordering.
• Understanding of shift planning and scheduling.
• Calm and efficient in busy production environments.
• Hands-on approach with proactive problem solving.
• Capable of delivering consistently high-quality products.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support and motivate the production team daily.
• Organise and manage team shifts for adequate production coverage.
• Coordinate daily production and meet deadlines consistently.
• Maintain high standards of quality, presentation, cleanliness and food safety.
• Assist with training and developing team members.
• Manage stock levels and place stock orders as required.
• Monitor ingredient usage and minimise waste.
• Ensure the production kitchen is organised, efficient and well maintained.
• Troubleshoot production issues and manage busy periods confidently.
• Work with management to plan and improve production processes.

Skills

Team leadership

Production planning

Quality control

Food safety

Stock management

Shift coordination

Communication

Job description

As our Baker / Pastry Chef, you'll play an important role in overseeing the day-to-day running of our production team. You'll be responsible for helping organise the team, managing shifts and ensuring production runs to a high standard and on schedule. This is a hands-on position, so you'll be actively involved in production while also supporting and leading the team around you.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, support and motivate the production team on a day-to-day basis
• Organise and manage team shifts to ensure adequate production coverage
• Coordinate daily production and ensure deadlines are consistently met
• Maintain high standards of quality, presentation, cleanliness and food safety
• Assist with training and developing team members
• Manage stock levels and place stock orders as required
• Monitor ingredient usage and minimise waste
• Ensure the production kitchen is organised, efficient and well maintained
• Troubleshoot production issues and confidently manage busy periods
• Work closely with management to plan and improve production processes

About you

• Has proven experience as a Baker, Pastry Chef or similar role
• Has previous experience leading or managing a team
• Is highly organised and able to manage multiple priorities
• Is reliable, punctual and takes pride in their work
• Has strong communication and people-management skills
• Has experience with stock control and ordering
• Understands shift planning and effective team scheduling
• Can work calmly and efficiently in a busy production environment
• Is proactive, solutions-focused and willing to get hands-on
• Takes pride in producing consistently high-quality products
• A leadership role within a supportive production team
• The opportunity to have a genuine impact on the way our kitchen operates
• A hands-on role with variety and responsibility
• A positive and team-focused working environment