Head Baker, Gloucestershire

Head Baker - Job Specification

Salary: £45,000

Shifts: 15:30-02:00, 5 days out of 7

Accommodation: Live‑in available

Reports to: Executive Baker

We are seeking an experienced Head Baker to lead a night‑shift bakery team producing high‑quality breads and viennoiserie for multiple retail and hospitality outlets. This role requires strong leadership, exceptional product standards, and a passion for continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Food Production

• Lead and manage a team of night‑shift bakers producing a range of organic breads and viennoiserie.
• Maintain the highest standards of product quality across all bakery items.
• Drive continuous improvement and collaborate with the Executive Baker on new product development.
• Support the implementation of food safety, traceability, and quality processes in line with internal standards and external accreditation requirements.

Operations

• Allocate staff effectively based on business needs and communicate rotas in advance.
• Participate in annual HACCP reviews.
• Ensure cleaning schedules are followed consistently.
• Maintain a safe working environment and ensure full compliance with Health & Safety regulations.
• Adhere to internal technical standards and external audit requirements, addressing any food safety issues promptly.

Financial & Operational Accuracy

• Manage daily recipes, stock counts, and production records to ensure financial accuracy.
• Achieve order fulfilment rates above 98% through effective scheduling, staffing, and stock management.
• Oversee production processes to minimise wastage.
• Support the Executive Baker in meeting financial targets through careful cost control.

People Management

• Line‑manage, motivate, and develop the night‑shift bakery team.
• Complete all people‑related administration and processes on time.
• Deliver training, coaching, and performance reviews to support staff development.
• Ensure all team members complete mandatory training.
• Work with the Executive Baker to propose and implement improvements to equipment, processes, and staffing.

Performance Targets

• Order fulfilment above 98%
• Wastage levels below budget
• Achievement of national/international product awards
• Customer review scores above 3.8
• Successful external audits (e.g., food safety accreditations)
• Maintenance of pest control standards
• Sales performance above budget
• EBITDA performance above budget
• Zero product recalls

Blue Arrow is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to helping find great work opportunities for great people.