Executive Baker

Fergbaker; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation support

Employee discount

Job summary

FERGBAKER seeks an elite Executive Baker to lead our kitchens and drive expansion. This hands-on leadership role focuses on delivering exceptional quality, training teams, and guiding two bakery sites through a growth phase.

You will manage production planning, QA, inventory, and training while upholding food safety and guest experiences, partnering with the Group Executive Chef.

Qualifications

• Experience in a similar executive baker role with leadership responsibility.
• Mastery of European breads and Viennese dough, with a focus on quality.
• Strong knowledge of sourdough and long fermented breads.
• Willingness to work across shifts and two locations; relocation possible.

Responsibilities

• Lead production planning across two Fergbaker sites.
• Mentor Bakery Managers and set kitchen standards.
• Develop new products with the leadership team.
• Liaise with suppliers and manage stock levels.
• Oversee recruitment, rosters and performance reviews.
• Maintain food safety standards and health & safety policies.

Skills

Executive bakery leadership

Sourdough bread making

Team mentoring

Quality control

Education

NZ Diploma in Baking (Level 5)

Job description

Jora New Zealand will close on 9th September 2026. Thank you for being with us, we are cheering you on as you continue your career journey.

FERGBAKER is seeking an elite Executive Baker to drive our kitchens and pioneer our next major expansion.

About Us:

Fergbaker was established in 2011 after the success of its famous brother Fergburger. Today we have 5 business units, Fergburger, Fergbaker, Mrs Ferg, Ferg's Bar and Fergbutcher, with over 190 employees and growing. Fergbaker is a bakery we are exceptionally proud of. From our beautiful wood and marble fit out to our bakery products with flavours, techniques and food trends from around the world, we aim to match traditional bakery excellence with the foods and styles we love. We have employed Bakers, Pie Chefs and Pastry Chefs from around the globe and everyone is encouraged to do something special to continually improve our food.

We are looking for an experienced Master/Executive Baker, with a strong leadership background who embraces a hands‑on training approach, to drive high quality products and spearhead Fergbaker's exciting expansion later this year.

About the Role:

We have a rare opportunity for a talented Executive Baker to join our leadership team during an exciting period of growth, helping shape the future of our Fergbaker brand and expansion. In this hands‑on leadership position, you'll play a key part within the senior team by guiding, supporting, and training our bakery teams to deliver exceptional quality across two locations.

This role blends artisan bakery leadership with operational strategy and team development. You will lead production planning, quality assurance, food safety, inventory control, and team training while maintaining exceptional product consistency and customer experience standards.

Responsibilities:

In conjunction with the Group Executive Chef, you will take responsibility for the operations and organisation of all kitchen areas across two Fergbaker sites

• Mentor and provide hands on leadership to the Bakery Managers in each location, leading and establishing kitchen standards and best practice
• Develop new products in conjunction with Executive Chef and management team
• Liaise with suppliers and relationship building
• Manage staff, rosters and be part of the recruitment process
• Undertake performance management and reviews
• Lead in maintaining food safety standards and procedures
• Lead in and adhere to Health and Safety polices and standards

Requirements:

You will have proven experience in a similar executive baker role, a flexible approach and capable of driving quality and standards

• A true passion for baking and creating exceptional guest experiences
• A master of quality in European breads and Viennese dough
• Strong knowledge and experience working with sourdough and long fermented breads
• Flexibility to work across different shifts, and locations, as required to support the team
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to motivate and mentor kitchen staff
• Proven experience in a similar multi‑site bakery leadership position
• New Zealand Diploma in Baking (Level 5), or international equivalent
• Career-defining opportunity - help shape the future of an iconic New Zealand brand
• Professionally contribute to a brand that is continually growing
• We pride ourselves on our diverse, supportive and positive teams
• Competitive remuneration and benefits, including relocation support
• Flexibility in working hours
• Employee discount across the Ferg Group