Senior Baker

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Job Title: Senior Baker

Based in:

• 71-73 Allen Road N16
• Hackney Downs E8
• Any other site as required by the business

Reports to: Head Baker

Hours: Full Time - 40 hours per week, usually Monday-Friday (flexibility required to work weekends as business needs arise)

Salary: £15.00 an hour - equivalent to £31,200 per annum + (Additional Apprentice Responsibility Payment & Additional Work Experience Responsibility Payment when taken on)

Job Purpose:
As a key team leader of Luminary Bakery, the Senior Baker is responsible for upholding the quality, standards, and production of Luminary's artisanal products while fostering a supportive and inclusive team culture.

As the Senior Baker, you will assist the Head Baker in helping to oversee daily production, ensure product consistency, and step into a leadership role on shifts when the Head Baker is not present. You will play a vital role in managing a small but busy kitchen team, supporting shift leads, and ensuring a positive and solutions-focused atmosphere in production.

This is both a hands-on baking role and a leadership position: you'll balance guiding the bakery team, troubleshooting issues, and making sure the kitchen runs smoothly.

The role includes supporting apprentices from the Luminary Programme, developing new seasonal products, and contributing to the growth and innovation of Luminary's bakery operations.

Key Responsibilities

Production

• Fulfill bakery orders across all sales channels, including corporate orders, café goods, e-commerce products, and wedding cakes.
• Maintain quality, brand consistency, and food safety standards for all products.
• Lead shifts, ensuring team members follow schedules and processes set by the Head Baker.
• Act as the lead point of contact in the kitchen when the Head Baker is not present.
• Assist in ingredient ordering, stock checks, and maintaining operational efficiency when required.
• Ensure compliance with food hygiene and safety policies, providing training and oversight to maintain high standards.

Development

• Collaborate with the Head Baker to develop innovative products and strategies for Luminary's in-house and corporate offerings.
• Lead creative contributions to Luminary's wedding cake strategy, including production, storage, and distribution, and align with the wedding team to enhance sales.
• Work with the Baking Teacher and Charity Team to align training programs with Luminary products and professional baking practices, creating opportunities for work experience.

Team Leadership

• Assist HR and the Head Baker in recruiting, training, and guiding the Artisan Bakery Team, including apprentices (typically two per year for six-month terms).
• Provide supervision and mentorship to team members, fostering growth and confidence in their roles.
• Foster strong teamwork, positive atmosphere and clear communication in a busy, small kitchen environment.
• Oversee the implementation of work experience programmes, ensuring meaningful and successful participation.
• Line-manage and support team members, providing training in health and safety practices and operational procedures.
• Administer and execute weekly duty schedules and escalate any operational issues to the appropriate channels.
• Contribute to Luminary's positive, inclusive culture by modelling professionalism, empathy, and accountability.

Training and Supervision of Apprentices

• Conduct regular one-to-ones and offer supervision to women on Luminary's programme, including apprentices and alumni in their first professional bakery roles.
• Provide a supportive and encouraging workplace environment for women who have experienced gender-based violence or disadvantage, helping them develop confidence and skills in a professional setting.

Operations and Maintenance

• Monitor and flag any equipment repair or maintenance needs to the Head Baker.
• Contribute to the smooth running of bakery shifts, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and adherence to schedules.

Additional Note:
The training and supervision elements of this role include a Genuine Occupational Requirement that the post holder is female, as permitted under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010. This requirement reflects the needs of the women we serve, many of whom are survivors of gender-based violence and disadvantage.

Job Requirements and Abilities

Essential:

• Minimum three years of experience in a professional bakery or kitchen.
• Proficiency in baking and decorating high-quality products, including celebration and wedding cakes.
• Ability to manage large production volumes while maintaining high standards.
• Solutions-orientated and calm under pressure, with the ability to troubleshoot effectively.
• Excellent organisational skills to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Collaborative, supportive, and able to foster a positive working culture in a small team.
• Strong communication skills for both giving feedback and supporting training.
• Physical ability to handle and lift items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Flexibility for weekend availability.
• Proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

Desirable:

• Experience in stock management, ordering and production planning.
• Experience in team leadership.
• Experience working with disadvantaged individuals or groups.

Perks and Incentives

• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, skill-building, and exposure to high-profile corporate partners and press events.
• Shift Benefits: Free barista coffees and paid lunch breaks in line with Luminary policies.
• Discounts: 50% off in-house food and drink, 20% off online purchases.
• Supportive Workplace: A fun, open, and inclusive environment that prioritizes wellbeing and growth.