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 to working 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.

Who are Bents?

We are a family-run business with a reputation for quality, experience and innovation; selling everything for your Garden & Home whilst having Dining Facilities catering for over 1000 seats.

We have always been a business which has followed its passions, taken chances and strived to innovate, which is how it all began in 1937. Passion, experience and an understanding of quality and exclusive living have earned our family-run business a reputation for quality, experience and innovation. You can really feel valued and part of the family from the day that you join.

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.

Please note: Applicants who have previously been advised that they do not meet the requirements for this position should not reapply unless they have since taken clear steps to strengthen their application. Any reapplication must include evidence demonstrating how they now meet the essential criteria.

This vacancy may close early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Plus much more!

If you'd like to join our team as our new Head Baker, then please click 'Apply' today - don't miss out, we'd love to hear from you!

Warrington, Leigh, Wigan, Glazebury, Culcheth, Golborne, Lowton, Manchester.