HEAD BAKER

High Watch Recovery•Kent, CT

50d•Onsite

About The Position

The Head Baker at High Watch Recovery Center and Wilson’s by High Watch plays a vital leadership role in the daily operations of the bakery, supporting the Executive Pastry Chef to ensure the highest quality of all baked goods. This position is responsible for overseeing the production of bread and pastries, maintaining kitchen organization, and facilitating an efficient workflow. In addition to hands-on baking, the Head Baker functions as a key support role—similar to that of a sous chef—by assisting with ingredient ordering, maintaining the organization of the freezer and dry storage, and ensuring overall cleanliness in the kitchen. Additionally, the Head Baker provides coverage for other bakers during planned or unplanned absences, ensuring that bakery operations continue to run smoothly and efficiently.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent; formal training in Baking and Pastry Arts is highly preferred.
Proven experience in a bakery leadership role, preferably in a professional or commercial kitchen setting.
Strong expertise in bread baking, laminated doughs, and pastry fundamentals.
Ability to take initiative in maintaining organization and assisting with operational logistics.
Excellent leadership, coaching, and team-building skills.
Ability to multitask in a fast-paced kitchen environment while maintaining attention to detail.
Strong problem-solving and time management skills.
Basic math skills for recipe scaling and inventory management.
Flexible availability, including early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays as required.

Responsibilities

Lead, train, and mentor the baking team to ensure consistency and high-quality production.
Oversee and execute the daily production of bread(s), laminated pastries, and other baked goods according to standardized recipes.
Collaborate with the Executive Pastry Chef to refine and develop new recipes, ensuring alignment with seasonal menus and specialty offerings.
Fill in for absent bakers due to vacations, sick days, or other leave to maintain operational efficiency.
Maintain a well-organized and efficient production schedule to meet demand while minimizing waste.
Ensure all baked goods meet quality and presentation standards before being served or displayed.
Assist in organizing and maintaining the walk-in freezer, walk-in fridge, and dry storage on a weekly basis.
Support the Executive Pastry Chef with ingredient ordering, particularly during their absence.
Ensure overall cleanliness and organization of the bakery, contributing to a sanitary and efficient workspace.
Monitor and maintain proper ingredient inventory, ensuring timely ordering and effective stock rotation.
Enforce food safety, sanitation, and hygiene practices in compliance with health regulations.
Assist in plating and presentation techniques for plated desserts in coordination with the Executive Pastry Chef.
Communicate equipment maintenance needs and oversee the proper handling of all bakery tools and appliances.
Participate in bakery team meetings and contribute to discussions focused on process improvements and product development.