Head Baker

Zanna Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus scheme

Employee assistance programme

Staff events

Staff referral scheme

50% off food

Free meals on shift

Career growth

Job summary

Zanna Group is seeking a Head Baker in Manchester to lead the bakery, oversee production, and drive quality and efficiency across our pastry range. You will inspire and develop a skilled team while maintaining the highest standards of food safety and consistency.

Join a design-led coffee shop and provisions space across three Manchester locations, with opportunities for growth and a competitive salary plus bonus.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as head baker or senior baker.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Deep knowledge of baking techniques, dough handling, fillings, glazing and finishing.
• Excellent food safety standards, HACCP, and allergen controls.
• Ability to manage production planning, stock control and supplier relationships.
• Passion for quality, consistency and innovation in bakery products.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily production of full bakery range, cookies, doughnuts, and pastries, meeting quality standards.
• Train and develop bakery team to deliver excellence.
• Oversee production schedules for efficient workflows and minimal waste.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene and safety regulations.
• Manage ingredient inventory and supplier relationships to ensure quality.
• Monitor equipment maintenance for safe operations.
• Contribute to continuous improvement to boost productivity and quality.

Skills

Head Baker

Leadership

Bakery techniques

Food safety HACCP

Allergen controls

Production planning

Stock control

Supplier relationships

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