Pastry Chef/Baker

Job Summary
We are seeking a skilled and passionate Pastry Chef & Baker to join our small bakery team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food preparation and production, with a focus on creating high-quality pastries. You will be responsible for producing a variety of baked goods, from making the dough to our house recipe, lamination, shaping, baking and finishing Viennoiserie, ensuring that all items meet our standards for taste, presentation, and food safety.

Responsibilities

• Operate and manage the pastry section of the kitchen, working together with other chefs and team members. Prepare goods such as croissants, pain au chocolats, cakes, cookies, and pastries, following traditional and modern recipes, etc. to a high standard.
• Decorate and present pastries and baked goods in a tasteful and beautiful way, in line with the ‘Artisan’ theme of the bakery.
• Monitor, maintain and order ingredients, supplies, and equipment (where applicable).
• Liaise with customers to discuss ideas for product development.
• Ensure the bakery adheres to health and safety regulations and food safety laws along with relevant paperwork.
• Identify staffing needs, help to train new and existing personnel.
• Develop new seasonal recipes and menus to incorporate ‘holiday’ traditions (such as Easter, Halloween and Christmas products).
• Create new and exciting products to renew menus and engage the interest of
• customers.
• Follow proper handling and correct temperature of all food products.
• Set-up and close including stock rotation and with colleagues in mind for the following shift/day.
• Coordinate activities of workers engaged in food preparation.
• Assist in tasks needed to help wider team.
• Have open communication with the entire team to ensure the delivery of outstanding food and service, promoting a supportive atmosphere where you assist other team members when possible.
• Supervise and coordinate all pastry preparation and presentation.
• Check the quality of raw and cooked food products to ensure that standards are met on arrival from suppliers.
• Assist in determining how food should be presented and create decorative food
• displays.
• Monitor stocks for baking ingredients such as flour, sugar, etc., and make appropriate orders within budget.
• Participate with all in-house training, e-learning and the completion of assigned learning modules.
• Conduct team briefs and debriefs to communicate, ensuring effective communication of goods and services.
• Take pride in cleanliness of the kitchen and BOH areas
• Ensure wastage is kept to a minimum and maintain accurate stock control by ensuring the team follows policies and procedures.
• Work safely with equipment ensuring any issues are reported to the business owner.
• Assist with identifying ingredient and cost saving needs within the business without compromising on quality or productivity, where applicable.
• Uniform and other protective PPE: Ensure appropriate PPE (personal Protective Equipment) is available and utilised, such as gloves when handling customer’s goods.
• Wear appropriate kitchen/bakery footwear, a clean apron and sensible attire that adhere to UK food safety laws. Long hair to be tied up. No false nails or excessive jewellery.
• Visitors and officer visits: Ensure any official visitors are greeted warmly and professionally and asked for ID before being permitted into any BOH areas. Notify the business owner immediately if officials such as EHO visit the premises.

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Pastry Chef or in a similar role within a restaurant or bakery setting, at least 1 year.
• Strong knowledge of food safety practices and culinary techniques related to baking.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced kitchen environment while maintaining high standards of quality.
• Excellent organisational skills with attention to detail in food preparation and presentation.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including early mornings and weekends as required by the business needs.
• A passion for baking and creativity in developing new pastry concepts is highly desirable.
• Please note, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. The ideal candidate will live close enough to the bakery for early morning starts.

Join our team and bring your culinary skills to life as you create delightful pastries that will impress our guests!

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £28,000.00-£32,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Store discount

Experience:

• Viennoiserie: 1 year (preferred)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Location:

• Reading RG8 7LY (preferred)

Work Location: In person