Head Pastry Chef

Birch Bakehouse is a Northern European-inspired bakehouse, gourmet pantry, and event space that will open in Old Greenwich in January 2025. We believe in the imperfectly perfect nature of handmade goods, embracing the uniqueness of each creation. We combine premium ingredients, organic and local when possible, with small-batch production to ensure that every item we offer is crafted with quality.

We are building our team of thoughtful, passionate, hard-working over-achievers, and would love for you to join us

Job description:

We are searching for an experienced Bakery Manager / Head Pastry Chef to join our team. This person will play a key role in establishing our bakery, overseeing daily operations, and delighting customers with high-quality products. The ideal candidate will be motivated by the challenge to build this business with the founder. We are looking for someone who has natural customer skills and experience to deal with high-volume and discerning customers.

An end-of-year bonus is available for meeting business growth targets.

• From $65,000 a year
• Bonus

Responsibilities:

• Be a trusted partner to, and work closely with, the bakery founder
• Create a warm and inclusive environment for your bakery staff and your customers
• Develop and implement baking schedules to ensure products are fresh and available for customers
• Guide and motivate pastry assistants and bakers to work more efficiently
• Work with a team to develop new sweet and savory treats, seasonal menus, and catering menus
• Apply attention to detail to ensure the presentation will be beautiful and exciting
• Source ingredients and supplies and manage inventory levels. Make appropriate orders within budget
• Uphold the highest food safety and sanitation standards in compliance with health regulations
• Identify staffing needs and help recruit and train personnel
• Handle customer inquiries and feedback in a professional and timely manner
• Serve as Manager on Duty, rotating with founder, ensuring food safety, cleanliness, and brand standards are upheld

Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience as a Pastry Chef or Baker, with a strong understanding of efficient production
• Excellent leadership and communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities
• Great attention to detail and creativity
• Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends as needed
• In depth knowledge of sanitation principles, food preparation and baking techniques and nutrition
• Previous managerial experience is preferred
• Food Handler's Certificate is required

Physical Requirements:

• Continuous standing/ walking for all tasks
• Frequent lifting and carrying up to 15 lbs., reaching below shoulder level, bending and turning
• Occasional lifting and carrying up to 50 lbs., pushing, pulling, crouching, bending and reaching above shoulder level
• Exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals