Job Description
- Up to $74,000 AUD ($81,000 NZD)
- Relocation assistance
- 12 - 18 month path to Head Baker with buy in potential
Moss Vale is a stunningly beautiful town nestled in the Southern Highlands, NSW, Australia, approximately 1.5 hours' drive from Sydney. A town known for its charming colonial heritage and architecture as well as blooming gardens and abundant wildlife, this once sleepy town is now a firm fixture on many city dwellers weekend getaway locations.
We are working with our Moss Vale based client to find a competent and experienced Baker to join a small but mighty team as the Assistant Head Baker. The business specialises in sourdough and sales are predominantly wholesale, selling to markets, supermarkets, hotels and restaurants across the state. What started as a small project during lockdown in 2020 has now blossomed into a hugely popular sourdough bakery that is in the process of redeveloping its premise (they have purchased an adjacent property to expand in to) and upgrading equipment to keep up with demand.
The position
As Assistant Head Sourdough Baker you will work hands on in all aspects of product production including starter building, weigh-outs, dough prep and baking. You will assist in the overseeing and management of both the kitchen and production operations while ensuring the delivery of consistently high-quality products to all customers. Other responsibilities will include:
- Adhering to documented recipes and formulas
- Proactively solve production challenges, adjusting as needed.
- Manage and coach employees within the production environment
- Manage all hygiene and cleanliness matters and ensure the operation meets all Occupational Health and cleanliness standards
- Manage ingredient stock levels to ensure product demands and delivery schedules are met, within budget and time frames
- Oversee maintenance and care of operating equipment including fixed assets
- Meet weekly/fortnightly with senior management regarding updates on production, business performance, improvement opportunities and forward planning.
- Undertake duties from time to time outside normal scope such as: packaging, wholesale delivery, retail sales special events and other as required
- Assist with rostering/ production planning cooperatively with sales and admin functions
The who
The ideal candidate will have formal qualifications as a baker and experience working with sourdough (at least 12 months). No corners are cut in the preparation and cooking of the products, with each loaf taking 3 - 4 days from start to finish, so a good understanding of sourdough and how it differs to other bread making is vital. This role is in Australia as well, so the other non-negotiable is your ability to relocate and legally work outside of New Zealand, with sponsorship not available NZ or AUS citizenship is essential. We are also looking candidates who are/have:
- Comfortable working both independently and in a small team environment.
- Able to cope with the physical demands of wholesale volume baking operations including heavy lifting
- Valid Driver's licence in case you need to assist with deliveries
- Intermediate Technology skills
- Flexibility with working hours - while hours are predominantly in the morning other hours may be required across a 7-day production schedule
We are aiming for a start date of 1st February 2025, so there is plenty of time to arrange the relocation to Australia. You will be supported by a dedicated owner who will assist in getting you set up in your new town. A discussion around the coverage of relocation costs such as flights and rental bonds etc will be had at the client interview stage. This is a great opportunity for someone looking at not only a change of job, but a change of lifestyle!