Head Baker

Zanna Group; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-related bonus scheme

24/7 employee assistance programme

Staff social events

Staff referral scheme

50% off food at our café

Free meals on shift

Opportunities for career growth and开发

Job summary

Zanna Group is seeking a Head Baker to lead our bakery team, overseeing the production of pastries and baked goods across our Manchester locations. You will drive quality, consistency, and efficiency in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate will bring proven head/baker experience, strong leadership, and deep technical knowledge of bakery processes, with a focus on safety and continuous improvement. This role is on-site with opportunities for growth.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as head or senior baker.
• Strong leadership to manage a diverse production team.
• Deep technical knowledge of baking techniques, dough handling, fillings, glazing and finishing.

Responsibilities

• Lead the daily production of our full bakery range, specialising in cookies, doughnuts, and pastries, ensuring products meet strict quality and presentation standards.
• Manage, train, and develop the bakery team to deliver consistently excellent results.
• Oversee production schedules, ensuring efficient workflows to meet demand while minimising waste.
• Maintain compliance with all food safety, hygiene and health & safety regulations.
• Manage ingredient inventory and supplier relationships to ensure fresh, high-quality raw materials are always available.
• Monitor equipment maintenance and ensure the bakery operates safely and efficiently.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and product quality.

Skills

Head Baker experience

Leadership skills

Bakery techniques

HACCP knowledge

Stock & supplier mgmt

Problem-solving

Job description

Department - A design-led coffee shop and provisions space built around quality, routine and everyday ritual.

Combining specialty coffee with a curated food and drinks offering, set within considered interiors designed for flexibility and flow with three locations across Manchester. Our bakery is situated at St. Johns and provides Viennoiserie and baked goods for all locations.

The Role

As Head Baker, you will lead our bakery team in producing exceptional pastries that delight our customers every day. You’ll be responsible for overseeing all aspects of bakery production, maintaining the highest standards of quality, consistency, and efficiency, while inspiring and developing a passionate team of bakers.

We’re looking for an experienced baker with strong leadership skills, a creative flair, and a deep understanding of bakery products who thrives in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment.

In this role you will:

• Lead the daily production of our full bakery range, specialising in cookies, doughnuts, and pastries, ensuring products meet strict quality and presentation standards;
• Manage, train, and develop the bakery team to deliver consistently excellent results;
• Oversee production schedules, ensuring efficient workflows to meet demand while minimising waste;
• Maintain compliance with all food safety, hygiene and health & safety regulations;
• Manage ingredient inventory and supplier relationships to ensure fresh, high-quality raw materials are always available;
• Monitor equipment maintenance and ensure the bakery operates safely and efficiently;
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and product quality.

About You

The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven experience as a head baker or senior baker,
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and manage a diverse production team;
• Deep technical knowledge of baking techniques, dough handling, fillings, glazing, and finishing methods;
• Excellent understanding of food safety standards, HACCP and allergen controls;
• Ability to manage production planning, stock control and supplier relationships effectively;
• A passion for quality, consistency, and innovation in bakery products;
• A hands-on, proactive approach with strong problem-solving skills.

As Head Baker, you will be central to maintaining the reputation and growth of our bakery - delivering products that keep our customers coming back for more.

We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Performance-related bonus scheme
• 24/7 employee assistance programme
• Staff social events
• Staff referral scheme
• 50% off food at our café
• Free meals on shift
• Opportunities for career growth and development