Bread & Pastry Chef

** Due to the volume of applications we receive, we will only be contacting candidates who are successful to the next stage. Thank you for understanding

Job Title: Bread & Pastry Chef

No of vacancies: 2

Reports to: Head Baker

Work Locations: Camden, Stoke Newington, Hackney Downs production site

Hours: 40 hours per week, predominantly Mon - Fri (but flexibility across Mon-Sun if business requires)

Shift patterns: 5.30am-2.30pm or 7.30am-4.30pm (please specify which shift pattern you are interested in)

Salary: Minimum £31,200 per annum, (minimum £15.00 per hour), depending on experience

Employed by: Luminary Bakery Ltd

Overview

We are looking for 2 passionate and skilled Bread & Pastry Chefs both with at least 2+ years of high-quality kitchen experience to join our team. The ideal candidates will thrive in a collaborative environment, share our dedication to excellence, and bring creativity and attention to detail to every bake. This role is central to assisting our Head Baker in designing and executing our bakery and café menus across Luminary Bakery sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Menu Creation & Execution: Collaborate with the Head Baker to create, refine, and execute seasonal menus featuring a range of artisanal breads, pastries, and desserts that align with Luminary’s ethos, current trends and customer preferences. 


• Quality Control & Consistency: Ensure all products meet our high standards of taste, presentation, and quality. Develop procedures to optimise ingredient usage while minimising wastage and upholding quality standards. 


• Production Oversight: Manage daily pastry production operations across multiple locations, balancing team assignments and production levels to meet daily demands. Oversee contingency planning and handle fluctuating demands to ensure the team is prepared with coverage for holidays, peak business periods and sickness or leave absences. 


• Recipe Development: Lead your team in developing new recipes, focusing on diverse, innovative, and seasonally inspired products suitable for various dietary needs including plant-based and gluten-free options. Maintain record of recipes and method documentation, ensuring all team members have access to standardised recipes for consistent results.


• Inventory & Stock Management: Maintain ingredient stocks, source fresh supplies, and manage budgets in collaboration with finance. Implement stock rotation practices to minimise waste and maintain optimal freshness.


• Team Leadership & Development: Recruit, train, and develop a strong pastry team over time, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment. Conduct feedback sessions and skills assessments to support professional growth within the team.  


• Health & Safety Compliance: Uphold sanitation, health, and safety standards, maintaining a clean and organised kitchen.


• Collaborative Product Rollout: Work closely with managers, customer service, and the finance team to ensure efficient product development, costing, and revenue management.

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience: Proven experience as a Pastry Chef with expertise in artisan bread, laminated viennoiserie, and pastries. Familiarity with both classic techniques and modern trends is highly valued.


• Leadership: Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills to foster an inclusive, creative and productive work environment. 


• Attention to Detail: Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality standards.


• Innovation: A creative mindset and a drive for culinary innovation, constantly seeking ways to create new recipes and improve upon existing Luminary products range. 


• Adaptability: Capable of working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with flexibility in handling various shifts, peak business periods and evolving production demands. 


• Commercial Awareness: Experience with product costing, sales analysis, and inventory management to support effective decision-making and business growth. 


• Certification: Culinary or pastry certification is preferred as well as additional training in food safety and handling. 

Desirable

• Experience with bakery production software.


• Background in social enterprise or Head Baker experience.

Benefits

• Daily Perks: Free barista coffee daily and 50% off all Luminary food & drink.


• Discounts: 20% discount on online purchases (celebration cakes & merchandise), discounts for friends and family.


• Wellness: Wellness Action Plan to support health at work.


• Professional Development: Regular training opportunities and involvement in press coverage.


• Team Perks: Staff socials, free celebration cake for your birthday!

Become part of a team that’s dedicated to creating memorable, delicious experiences while making a positive impact.

**Please read the Luminary Faith Policy here