Head Baker

Merlo is expanding As one of Australia’s most recognised and celebrated coffee brands, we’re launching a state-of-the-art artisan bakery in Bowen Hills—dedicated to crafting exceptional bread and pastries to complement our premium coffee.

We are seeking an experienced and skilled Head Baker to lead this exciting new venture.

Specialising in traditional and modern French baking, including sourdough, baguettes, fat-enriched breads, and viennoiserie, you will play a key role in establishing and maintaining the highest standards of production.

**About the Role**

In this full time role as Head Baker, you will oversee all aspects of bakery operations, ensuring efficiency, consistency, and excellence. You will lead a team of dedicated professionals, mentor apprentices, and contribute to the development of our bakery’s product range.

Your responsibilities will include:

- Developing and refining standard recipes to ensure quality and consistency
- Building and leading a high-performing brigade by onboarding, training, and mentoring team members
- Managing workflow and production schedules to meet daily demands
- Ensuring food safety compliance and maintaining best practices in hygiene and workplace safety
- Overseeing ingredient sourcing and stock management to maintain quality and efficiency
- Creating cost-effective processes for production and managing food costs

**About You**

To excel in this role, you will bring:

- At least 2 years’ experience as a Head or Sous Baker in an artisanal kitchen
- Formal culinary training or relevant qualifications in baking and pastry arts
- Strong leadership and team management skills with a focus on training and development
- Extensive knowledge of fermentation techniques and gluten development
- A hands-on approach with a keen eye for detail and quality
- Commitment to maintaining a clean, organised, and efficient work environment
- A great communicator with amazing people skills

**Why Join Merlo?**
- Job security with an established, highly regarded Australian brand
- A modern, high-end bakery kitchen designed for efficiency and innovation
- A strong company culture that values teamwork, leadership, and professional growth
- A central Bowen Hills location with easy transport access
- Amazing team culture and awesome discounts and perks
- A focus on work life balance and employee satisfaction

At Merlo we care about our people, our customers and of course our coffee. To ensure we successfully continue to maintain the Merlo magic, we follow the ‘_**Merlo Recipe**_’_ in everything we do.

**R*espect -**E**xcellence -**C**ustomer Service -**I**ntegrity -**P**assion -**E*ducation.

Pay: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Employee discount
- Referral program

Schedule:

- Afternoon shift
- Day shift
- Morning shift
- Weekend availability

Application Question(s):

- Do you have formal culinary training or relevant qualifications in baking and pastry arts?

**Experience**:

- Head or Sous Baker: 2 years (preferred)

Work Authorisation:

- Australia (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Expected Start Date: 26/05/2025