Job description
Join Aurora Crumbs Bakery, a premier craft bakery in Portland, Oregon, where butter meets artistry and every loaf tells a story. We are seeking a seasoned Head Baker to lead our dough room, mentor a passionate team, and elevate our seasonal collections with precision, creativity, and consistency.
As a pivotal member of our bakery, you will design batters and doughs, optimize fermentation schedules, and ensure the highest standards of quality and food safety. We offer a collaborative environment, competitive compensation, and opportunities for growth as you shape the next chapter of our pastry and bread program.
Responsibility
- Lead daily production of all breads, pastries, and viennoiserie with a focus on flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
- Oversee fermentation schedules, proofing rooms, mixing, scaling, dividing, and shaping processes to ensure consistency.
- Develop and test new seasonal recipes in collaboration with the culinary team.
- Coach and mentor junior bakers, establish training plans, and promote best practices in safety and sanitation.
- Maintain inventory, perform quality checks, and manage equipment maintenance and calibration.
- Ensure compliance with HACCP and state food safety regulations; uphold cleanliness and organization in the workspace.
- Collaborate with managers on production planning, waste reduction, and cost controls to meet daily targets.
- Foster a culture of quality, efficiency, and creativity; lead by example in punctuality and professionalism.
Qualification
- 5+ years of professional baking experience in a high-volume or artisanal bakery
- Proven leadership experience as a head baker, supervisor, or senior pastry chef
- Expertise in sourdough, laminated doughs, croissants, tarts, and seasonal pastries
- Strong knowledge of fermentation, dough management, scaling, and recipe development
- Excellent palate, attention to detail, and commitment to consistent quality
- Food safety certification and thorough understanding of HACCP standards
- Ability to plan, organize, and manage multiple production streams under tight deadlines
- Excellent communication and team mentorship skills