Job description
North Star Bakehouse is a premium artisanal bakery based in Portland, Oregon. We bake with sourdough, natural levain, and seasonal ingredients to create products that delight both wholesale partners and daily customers. We’re seeking a Head Baker to lead our production in a fast paced, quality first environment. If you’re passionate about fermentation, laminated doughs, and mentoring a growing team, this is your next opportunity.
As Head Baker, you will combine hands on baking mastery with strategic leadership to ensure exceptional quality, consistency, and efficiency across all products. You will collaborate closely with the pastry team and sales partners to plan production, innovate new items, and maintain our high standards.
We offer competitive compensation, health benefits, employee discounts, and opportunities for growth in a thriving, creative bakery culture.
Responsibility
- Lead daily production of breads, pastries, and viennoiserie with emphasis on consistency, flavor, and texture.
- Manage a team of bakers, assign tasks, schedule shifts, and mentor junior staff.
- Develop and refine recipes, maintain production schedules, and ensure on-time delivery for wholesale and retail channels.
- Maintain HACCP and food safety standards; monitor sanitation, allergen controls, and quality checks.
- Oversee inventory, ordering of ingredients, and waste reduction to maximize efficiency and cost control.
- Ensure equipment maintenance, temperature logs, and cleaning protocols; coordinate repairs as needed.
- Collaborate with the pastry team on laminated doughs and product development to keep our lineup fresh and market-leading.
Qualification
- 5+ years of professional bakery or pastry production experience; proven leadership in a fast-paced environment.
- Expertise in sourdough, laminated doughs (croissants, danishes), and diverse bread production.
- Strong understanding of HACCP, sanitation, and local food safety regulations.
- Demonstrated ability to manage teams, schedule shifts, train staff, and motivate a collaborative culture.
- Excellent palate, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.
- Experience with inventory management, cost control, and forecasting needs.
- Wlexibility to work early mornings, weekends, and overtime as required.