About Us
Cutter & Squidge is an award-winning, fast-growing London bakery known for our indulgent, handcrafted treats. From our West London Production Bakery, we create a wide range of cakes, brownies, and more, using only the best natural ingredients. We're proud recipients of "Online Bakery of the Year 2024" and recognised by the Sunday Times 100 as one of Britain's fastest-growing private companies. As we expand, our focus on efficient, high-volume production is key to our success.
About the Role
We are searching for a skilled and passionate Head Baker to join our West London Production Bakery. Reporting to the Production Management Team, you will be the technical expert and hands-on leader of the baking process, ensuring the consistent production of our delicious goods in large batches. You will champion baking excellence, execute complex recipes with precision, and mentor a team of bakers to uphold our renowned quality standards and production targets.
This is a critical role for a skilled baker who thrives in a high-volume manufacturing environment and possesses deep expertise with industrial baking equipment and large-batch techniques.
Key Responsibilities
- Execute all baking processes with precision, from ingredient scaling, mixing, proofing, to baking and cooling, ensuring consistent high quality in large batches.
- Operate and oversee the use of industrial baking equipment (e.g., spiral mixers, large deck/rack ovens, dough dividers, proofing cabinets) with expert proficiency.
- Troubleshoot baking-specific issues (e.g., dough consistency, oven performance, product defects) and implement immediate, effective solutions.
- Maintain our high standards of product quality and consistency across all production runs, adhering strictly to established recipes and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
- Conduct rigorous quality checks on raw materials, in-process products, and finished baked goods.
- Collaborate with the Production Management and NPD teams to resolve any recipe, design, or quality issues impacting production.
- Serve as the lead technical expert, mentoring and upskilling new and existing bakers on advanced baking techniques, best practices, and efficient production methods.
- Demonstrate correct procedures for mixing, shaping, proofing, and baking to ensure consistent product attributes.
- Contribute to optimising the baking workflow to meet daily production targets efficiently.
- Maintain a consistently clean, safe, and organised baking station and production area, contributing to overall productivity.
- Assist with maintaining accurate inventory of ingredients, ensuring proper storage and rotation (FIFO).
- Strictly adhere to all UK Food Safety, Health & Safety guidelines, and company policies at all times, ensuring a safe workplace.
- Support the Production Management and NPD teams in testing and scaling new recipes for efficient large-batch production.
About You
- A minimum of 2+ years of hands-on, high-volume baking experience in a production bakery or food manufacturing environment.
- Deep expertise in a wide range of baking techniques, dough types, and pastry production methods relevant to large-scale operations.
- Advanced knowledge and hands-on experience operating and troubleshooting various industrial baking machinery.
- Unwavering commitment to producing consistent, high-quality products in large quantities.
- Exceptional ability to identify and resolve baking-related challenges quickly and effectively.
- Proven ability to effectively train and technically guide other bakers.
- In-depth understanding and practical application of UK Food Safety and Health & Safety regulations in a production setting.
- Comfortable with varying working hours (early mornings, late nights, weekends as needed) and high-pressure production demands.
- Ability to stand for extended periods, lift up to 25kg, and work comfortably in a warm, fast-paced environment.
- A collaborative spirit with strong communication skills to work effectively within a production team.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- The opportunity to apply your expert baking skills at a leading, award-winning London bakery.
- A dynamic, challenging, and supportive work environment where your craft is valued.
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- Generous staff discount on Cutter & Squidge products.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From £34,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Canteen
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Store discount
Ability to commute/relocate:
- London TW8 9EZ: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Experience:
- production baking: 5 years (preferred)
- Supervising: 3 years (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (preferred)
Work Location: In person
