Head Baker

Van Voorden Foundry; Warrington; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave

Free onsite parking

Colleague discount

Long service awards

Birthday leave

Company pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Onsite Colleague Bistro

Discounted Gym Membership

Training and development opportunities

Job summary

Bents in Warrington is seeking an experienced Head Baker to lead our Bakery & Pastry Team. You will oversee all bakery and pastry production, drive quality, consistency and presentation, and play a key role in developing new products.

The role requires proven leadership in artisan bakery, strong food safety, stock control and cost management, with responsibility for an 8-person brigade and a brand-new Bakery & Pastry Kitchen opening in September. Salary £34,000–£36,000.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in artisan bakery/pastry operations.
• Experience in leading a busy commercial kitchen or bakery.
• Experience with HACCP, food safety and health & safety procedures.
• Strong stock control, ordering and cost management skills.
• Excellent organisational skills and production planning ability.
• Passion for innovation and high-quality bakery products.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a Bakery & Pastry brigade of 8 colleagues.
• Oversee production of bakery and pastry products for all departments.
• Create and cost monthly bakery and pastry specials.
• Manage food GP% and ensure efficient, profitable production.
• Daily/weekly ordering of ingredients and supplies.
• Monthly stock audits and stock control.
• Ensure HACCP, food safety and Health & Safety compliance.
• Support wider kitchen operations and cover Head Chef when required.
• Develop new bakery and pastry products with costing.
• Coach, develop and motivate the team to maintain high standards.

Skills

Leadership

Artisan bakery production

Team management

Food safety HACCP

Stock control & cost management

Production planning

Innovation in bakery products

Education

Bakery, Pastry or Professional Cookery qualifications

Job description

We are recruiting for a Head Baker to join our Bakery & Pastry team at Bents!

What's the role?

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Head Baker to lead our Bakery & Pastry Team. This is an ideal role for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, enjoys leading a talented team, and takes pride in producing exceptional bakery and pastry products.

As our Head Baker, you will be responsible for overseeing all bakery and pastry production across the business, ensuring the highest standards of quality, consistency and presentation are maintained at all times. You'll play a key role in developing new products, managing costs and leading your team from our brand‑new Bakery & Pastry Kitchen, opening in September.

Your daily role will include;

• Leading and managing a Bakery & Pastry brigade of 8 colleagues.
• Overseeing the production of all bakery and pastry products for Bents, including the Food Hall and Hospitality departments.
• Creating and costing monthly bakery and pastry specials.
• Managing food GP% and ensuring products are produced efficiently and profitably.
• Completing daily and weekly ordering of ingredients and supplies.
• Carrying out monthly stock audits and maintaining accurate stock control.
• Ensuring full compliance with HACCP procedures, food safety and Health & Safety legislation.
• Supporting the wider kitchen operation and providing cover for the Head Chef when required.
• Developing new bakery and pastry products for the Food Hall, including product costing.
• Coaching, developing and motivating your team to deliver consistently high standards.

Our ideal Head Baker will have the below skills and experience;

You will have a proven background in artisan bakery and pastry production, with previous experience leading a team within a busy commercial kitchen or bakery.

Essential

• Previous experience as a Head Baker, Senior Baker or similar leadership role.
• Strong artisan bread, pastry and bakery production skills.
• Experience managing and developing a team.
• Excellent knowledge of food safety, HACCP and Health & Safety procedures.
• Experience with stock control, ordering and cost management.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to plan production effectively.
• A passion for innovation and creating high‑quality bakery products.

Desirable

• Experience developing retail bakery products.
• Previous experience managing food GP and product costing.
• Experience supporting wider kitchen operations.
• Relevant Bakery, Pastry or Professional Cookery qualifications.

Other details of the Head Baker role;

• This is a full‑time permanent role, working an average of 40 hours per week, following successful completion of probation, you will move on toworking an alternative weekend shift pattern. A flexible approach is required.
• The role is based within our brand‑new Bakery & Pastry Kitchen, opening in September.
• Salary: £34,000 - £36,000 per annum, depending on experience.

Why work for us?

• 28 days annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays, increasing to 33 days with length of service.
• Free onsite parking.
• Colleague discount from the day you join along with Family & Friends discount days.
• Long service awards.
• Birthday leave.Company pension scheme.
• Colleague recognition schemes.
• Free colleague & family events.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Onsite Colleague Bistro and excellent colleague facilities.
• Discounted Gym Membership.
• Training and development opportunities.