Bakery Assistant

Compass Group UK; Dunstable; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 17,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading catering company in Dunstable is seeking a Bakery Assistant to join their team at Whipsnade Zoo. This part-time role focuses on high-volume production baking, where attention to detail and the ability to follow set recipes are essential. The ideal candidate will have some experience in a bakery or food production, enjoy structured work, and be a reliable team player. Benefits include competitive annual leave, free meals, and training opportunities, making this a great chance to develop your career in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

20 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Free meals on duty

Free on-site parking

Exclusive travel discounts

Access to wellness, mindfulness, and fitness classes

Digital GP services

Up to 44% off cinema tickets

Contributory pension scheme

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Some experience in a bakery, food production, or catering environment.
• Good attention to detail and a methodical approach to tasks.
• Confidence following instructions, recipes, and set processes.

Responsibilities

• Support production baking to agreed recipes and schedules.
• Prepare and bake products consistently and to specification.
• Maintain quality, portion control, and presentation standards.
• Work efficiently in a volume-focused environment.
• Assist with stock control and waste reduction.
• Keep work areas clean, organised, and compliant with food safety requirements.

Skills

Attention to detail

Team player

Basic food hygiene knowledge

Job description

Bakery Assistant

Location: Whipsnade Zoo
Salary: £16,500 per year
Contract: Part‑time, permanent (minimum 24 hours per week, typically over 3 days)
Hours: Daytime only, with flexibility during peak periods

We’re looking for a Bakery Assistant to join our team at Whipsnade Zoo, supporting the day‑to‑day production baking for our catering outlets. This is a hands‑on role focused on preparing consistent, high‑quality baked goods at volume, following set recipes and specifications.

The role is centred on repeat, high‑volume production baking rather than complex or specialist pastry work. You’ll work closely with the senior catering leads, following clear processes and guidance to ensure products are prepared accurately and consistently. Full on‑site training and support are provided, giving you the chance to build your skills while contributing to the daily production of baked goods.

This position is ideal for someone with some food or bakery experience, who enjoys structured work, has good attention to detail, and is comfortable learning from and taking direction from senior team members.

Why Join Us?

At Restaurant Associates, we celebrate individuality and nurture talent. As a Baker, you’ll be supported by an experienced leadership team, gain exposure across a dynamic visitor‑led environment, and have the opportunity to develop your career within a world‑class attraction.

We offer a competitive benefits package, including:

• 20 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro‑rated for part‑time roles)


• Free meals on duty


• Free on‑site parking


• Exclusive travel discounts


• Access to wellness, mindfulness, and fitness classes


• Digital GP services for you and your family


• Up to 44% off cinema tickets


• Contributory pension scheme


• Career Pathways and MyLearning development programmes


• Training and development opportunities

Key Responsibilities

• Support production baking to agreed recipes and schedules


• Prepare and bake products consistently and to specification


• Maintain quality, portion control, and presentation standards


• Work efficiently in a volume‑focused environment


• Assist with stock control and waste reduction


• Keep work areas clean, organised, and compliant with food safety requirements

Who We’re Looking For

• Some experience in a bakery, food production, or catering environment


• Good attention to detail and a methodical approach to tasks


• Confidence following instructions, recipes, and set processes


• A reliable team player with a positive attitude and willingness to learn


• Basic food hygiene knowledge

Part of Compass Group UK&I, Restaurant Associates provides brilliant hospitality through our food, drink and services. We work with our partners and collaborate with our clients to achieve great things together. Every day, our teams of passionate hospitality professionals strive for excellence in delivering employee dining and hospitality to some of the UK’s leading workplace as well as inspiring exceptional experiences in iconic cultural and heritage destinations.

Job Reference: com/2701/93179001/52785380/R/BU #RA Venues

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!