Head Baker

SOFITEL; Saudi Arabia; On-site; SAR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

SOFITEL is seeking a seasoned Baker Supervisor to manage daily bakery operations, develop new recipes, and ensure top-quality pastries and bread. You will lead a team, enforce strict hygiene standards, and collaborate with other departments to meet production goals.

The ideal candidate has 5–7 years as a baker with 2–3 years in supervision, strong leadership, and fluency in English. Vietnamese knowledge is a plus; this full-time role is on-site in Saudi Arabia.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5–7 years as a baker with 2–3 years in supervision.
• Advanced baking techniques, recipe development, and food science knowledge.
• Capable of leading in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities.
• Strong leadership, team management and communication skills.
• Experience with inventory management, cost control and waste reduction.
• Adapt to changing dietary requirements and consumer trends.
• Familiar with local and international baking trends; English fluency.
• Vietnamese knowledge is a plus

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily bakery operations and ensure smooth workflow and high-quality output.
• Develop and implement new recipes considering local tastes and trends.
• Ensure strict food safety and hygiene standards across baking processes.
• Train and mentor junior bakers to foster excellence and creativity.
• Manage inventory, including ordering supplies and minimizing waste.
• Collaborate with other departments to meet production goals and quality.
• Implement and maintain rigorous quality control for all baked goods.
• Stay updated on industry trends and incorporate innovative techniques.
• Adapt recipes to meet changing consumer trends and dietary needs.
• Contribute to menu planning and pricing strategies to maximize profitability.

Skills

Baking techniques

Recipe development

Food science

Leadership

Quality control

Inventory control

Cost management

Team mentoring

English fluency

Vietnamese knowledge

Multi-tasking

Communication

Education

City & Guilds certification

Job description

Job Description

• Oversee and manage the daily operations of the bakery department ensuring smooth workflow and high-quality output
• Develop and implement new recipes considering local taste preferences and international baking trends
• Ensure strict compliance with food safety and hygiene standards throughout the baking process
• Train and mentor junior bakers fostering a culture of excellence and creativity
• Manage inventory including ordering supplies and minimising waste
• Collaborate with other departments to meet production goals and maintain product quality
• Implement and maintain rigorous quality control measures for all baked goods
• Stay abreast of industry trends and incorporate innovative techniques into our baking processes
• Adapt recipes and offerings to meet changing consumer trends and dietary requirements
• Contribute to menu planning and pricing strategies to maximise profitability

Requirements

• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience as a baker, with at least 2-3 years in a supervisory role
• Advanced knowledge of baking techniques, recipe development, and food science
• Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in inventory management and cost control
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing consumer trends and dietary requirements
• Knowledge of local and international baking trends
• Familiarity with Vietnamese cuisine and local taste preferences is highly desirable
• Certification from a recognised culinary institution (e.g., City & Guilds) is a plus
• Fluency in English; knowledge of Vietnamese is an advantage
• Fluency in English, additional languages are a plus