Head Baker in Swindon - Rhubarb Recruitment Ltd

Head Baker – Bakery Manager – Artisan Bakery

• Oxfordshire
• £38,000 – £45,000 + Benefits
• 40 hours per week
• (Experience with artisan baking, bakery management essential, and CyBake software a bonus)

Are you an experienced Head Baker / Bakery Manager (or an experienced Artisan Baker with kitchen management experience) with a passion for real artisan baking? Do you thrive leading a team, managing production, and driving quality in a fast-paced craft bakery? If so, this is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing independent business with strong values and a commitment to exceptional products.

About the Role

We’re looking for a hands-on Bakery Manager to lead the day-to-day production of our artisan bakery in Oxfordshire. The Bakery produces Artisan Breads, pastries and sweet baked goods for retail, wholesale and local markets. You’ll oversee the bakery team, maintain high standards across production, quality and consistency, and ensure smooth operational performance in line with our recipes and brand standards.

This is an excellent role for someone who loves working with traditional methods, fine ingredients, and a dedicated team of skilled bakers.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, train and motivate a skilled bakery team
• Oversee daily production of artisan breads, pastries and baked goods
• Maintain recipe accuracy and product quality across all product lines
• Assist hands-on with prep, mixing, baking and finishing when required
• Manage rotas, time logging and liaising with payroll
• Support recruitment and team development
• Work with the Retail Outlet Manager to manage stock, ordering and waste
• Ensure accurate production planning and completion of production spreadsheets
• Oversee wholesale supplier management and delivery notes
• Ensure all packaging, labelling and display standards are met
• Maintain full compliance with Food Hygiene and Health & Safety regulations
• Ensure equipment checks, cleaning schedules and pest control measures are followed
• Keep staff up to date on food safety, first aid and fire safety training
• Maintain GDPR and data protection awareness in daily processes

Skills & Experience Required

• Artisan bakery experience is essential
• Previous bakery management or supervisory experience in another professional kitchen setting
• Proficiency with CyBake bakery software (or similar)
• Minimum 2 years in a bakery production environment
• Strong organisational, team leadership, communication skills and the ability to multitask
• High attention to detail and commitment to consistent quality
• Passionate about artisan breads, pastries and handmade bakery products
• High standards of cleanliness, hygiene and personal presentation

What We Offer

• Salary £38,000 – £45,000 depending on experience
• 40-hour week
• Supportive, passionate and growing craft bakery environment
• Opportunity to develop your skills and shape the bakery team

If you are an experienced Bakery Manager with artisan production experience or an Artisan Baker with Kitchen management experience, and the drive to lead a talented team, we’d love to hear from you.