Senior Baker

Company: Cookaburra Ltd

Location: London, UK

Website: cookaburra.co.uk

Who We Are

Cookaburra Ltd is a premier recruitment agency dedicated to the hospitality industry. Based in London, we specialise in connecting talented professionals like you with top-tier establishments, ensuring your skills and career aspirations are perfectly matched with outstanding opportunities.

What We Do

At Cookaburra Ltd, we partner with high-end restaurants, luxury hotels, and bespoke catering companies, including Sourdough Sophia. Our goal is to place you in roles where you can thrive and make a significant impact. Whether you’re seeking a permanent position, temporary work, or an executive role, we tailor our recruitment process to meet your unique career goals.

Our Mission

Our mission is to elevate your career in the hospitality industry by providing exceptional recruitment services. We strive to help you find the perfect fit where you can grow professionally and achieve your ambitions within the dynamic and rewarding hospitality sector.

Why Choose Cookaburra

Industry Expertise: With extensive experience in hospitality recruitment, we understand the unique needs and challenges you face, and we know how to match you with the right employers.

Personalised Approach: We offer customised recruitment solutions to ensure your skills and career aspirations align with the best opportunities available.

Vast Network: Our expansive network within the hospitality sector allows us to connect you with leading employers who value your expertise and passion.

Career Development: We provide ongoing support and resources to help you succeed and advance in your career, from the initial placement through your professional journey.

Join Us

To explore exciting career opportunities with Sourdough Sophia and other top hospitality establishments, visit our website or contact us directly via email at inquires@cookaburra.co.uk. At Cookaburra Ltd, we are committed to helping you make the most of your talents and achieve your career goals in the hospitality industry. Let us help you find your perfect fit!

The Job

Job Title: Head Baker

Location: Sourdough Sophia, Essex Road, Islington, London

Contract: Full-time (45 hours per week over 5 days). Flexibility required throughout the week.

Salary: From £45,000 per year, depending on experience

Application Closing Date: Ongoing. We will hire when we find the right candidate, so please submit your application promptly.

About Us:

Sourdough Sophia began as a micro bakery during lockdown and quickly grew into a beloved community fixture, thanks to our successful Kickstarter campaign and the support of nearly 600 backers. Since opening our doors in 2020, we have been dedicated to crafting exceptional sourdough and pastries while creating a supportive and people-focused workplace. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and community engagement has led to an impressive 87% return customer rate. We prioritise sustainability and aim to revolutionize the bread experience, one loaf at a time.

Position Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Head Baker to lead our team as we launch our new site in Essex Road. This role is crucial as our current Head Baker transitions after 2.5 years. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, extensive experience in bread and pastry production, and a knack for fostering a positive and creative work environment. You will oversee a team of 10, manage production schedules, ensure high-quality standards, and contribute to our vibrant company culture.

Key Responsibilities:

• Team Leadership: Inspire and manage a team of 10 bakers and pastry chefs. Ensure a positive work environment, effective team management, and staff development.
• Schedule Management: Develop and oversee schedules to balance work-life considerations while meeting production demands.
• Quality Control: Maintain high standards for all baked goods. Address production issues, provide training, and ensure a smooth and enjoyable shift experience.
• Production Oversight: Handle daily production tasks for bread and pastries, adapting to varying production needs.
• Innovation and Creativity: Drive new ideas for improving production processes, equipment, and menu offerings. Encourage team involvement in creative discussions.
• Sustainability Practices: Promote waste reduction, use locally sourced ingredients, and collaborate with local food banks.
• Administrative Duties: Manage production schedules, maintain equipment, oversee stocktake systems, and handle administrative tasks.

Typical Day/Week:

• Shifts: Tuesday to Saturday with flexibility required.
• Hours: Approximately 9-hour shifts, starting at 4am (3am on Fridays/Saturdays).
• Duties: Mix of administrative tasks and production work, including both bread and pastry preparation.

Primary Goals for the First Six Months:

• Integrate with the existing team and adapt to current production systems.
• Build rapport with team members and manage a smooth transition.
• Implement new systems (e.g., Marketman) and prepare for busy periods like Christmas.

Team and Culture:

• Team Size: 10-15 people across bread and pastry roles.
• Dynamic: Collaborative with opportunities for cross-training. Emphasis on teamwork and camaraderie.
• Culture: Focused on people development, team leadership, and fostering creativity.

Skills and Experience Required:

• Extensive experience in sourdough and pastry production, with proven team management skills (5-10 people).
• Experience in multi-site operations is a plus.
• Preferred qualifications: Bread or Pastry course, School of Artisan Food.
• Must be a people person, methodical, diligent, and passionate about baking.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary: £45k-50k per year, with potential for bonuses
• Paid Overtime and Sick Leave: 7 paid sick leave days per year.
• Wellness and Wellbeing:
• Free massages and wellness treatments, including spa treatments and fitness classes.
• Unlimited support with professional therapists and counselors.
• Free mindfulness and meditation workshops.
• Time Off and Flexibility:
• 28 days holiday pay.
• Schedule planned 3 weeks in advance.
• Flexible hours.
• Additional Perks:
• Free coffee all day long and staff meal provided.
• 25% friends and family discount.
• Birthday celebrations.
• Mental health support and access to specialist third-party wellbeing services.
• Professional Development:
• Opportunities for career advancement to senior leadership roles.
• Regular pay reviews, appraisals, and structured training programs.
• Additional Benefits:
• Bereavement leave.
• Casual dress.
• Company pension scheme.
• Discounted or free food.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
• Free fitness classes.
• Free or subsidised travel.
• Health and wellbeing program.
• Store discount.

Logistics and Timeline:

• Start Date: As soon as possible, with an ideal notice period of 1 month.
• Recruitment Process: Includes a video interview, trial shift in bread and pastry, follow-up interviews, and internal feedback.

How to Apply:

If you are an experienced baker with a passion for leadership and creativity, and you are excited about joining a dynamic and growing team at Sourdough Sophia, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience and suitability for the role at inquires@cookaburra.co.uk

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £45,000.00-£50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Bereavement leave
• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Enhanced maternity leave
• Enhanced paternity leave
• Flexitime
• Free fitness classes
• Free or subsidised travel
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Sick pay
• Store discount

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Night shift
• Overtime
• Weekend availability

Supplemental Pay:

• Bonus scheme
• Performance bonus
• Yearly bonus

Experience:

• Baking: 5 years (preferred)
• Pastry: 5 years (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 22/08/2024
Reference ID: 000011
Expected start date: 22/08/2024