Head Baker – Artisan Bread & Viennoiserie
About the job
We’re seeking a skilled and experienced Head Baker who will take a leading role in both the hands-on production of our artisan breads and viennoiserie, and the day-to-day management of the baking team. This is a pivotal role that combines craft, leadership, and strategic awareness.
At Gatineau, we produce a wide range of artisanal breads, viennoiserie, cakes, savouries, biscuits, and chocolates for both retail and wholesale. Led by Hervé Gatineau, our team is committed to quality, innovation, and using only the finest ingredients – including French flour, butter, cream, and chocolate – to ensure authenticity in every product.
Your Responsibilities
As Head Baker, you will be a key member of the bakery team and a central part of our business's next phase of growth. Your responsibilities will include:
- Leading and working hands-on with the team across all areas of bread and viennoiserie production
- Taking full ownership of production planning, quality control, and output
- Overseeing the full baking process: mixing, shaping, baking, lamination, and finishing
- Collaborating with directors to develop and implement new products aligned with our seasonal offering and brand vision
- Ensuring full compliance with health & safety, hygiene, and food safety standards
- Managing recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, and training of the baking team
- Handling team administration and monitoring staff performance Reporting maintenance issues and ensuring the bakery is operating efficiently
- Contributing to the ongoing development of systems and processes that support growth and operational excellence
- £40,000 - £70,000 (depending on experience)
- • Competitive salary (£40,000 – £70,000 DOE) • On-site parking • Opportunity to work with premium French ingredients • Supportive team culture with a focus on craft, quality, and innovation • 50% staff discount on all Gatineau manufactured bread, Viennoiserie and Patisserie. • Once the 3-month probation period is complete you will also be added to the company’s Health insurance policy with Vitality which gives the following benefits: • Full Outpatients Cover, Advanced Cancer Cover, Vitality GP Service with consultations guaranteed within 48 hours £100 towards private prescriptions and delivered to your door, NHS Cash Benefit of £250 per night, Complementary Therapies and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. • Other benefits include an Apple Watch, 50% discount on Virgin Active, Nuffield and PureGym, free Bluecrest pharmacy health check, free Virgin Active fitness assessment, 40% off selected Polar and Garmin fitness devices, 75% Champneys Spa, discount up to 3 nights per year, cinema tickets at Odeon and Vue every month, Café Nero drink each week and 25% off Mr and Mrs Smith boutique hotels.
- Department: Bakery Management
About you
- A minimum of 5 years’ experience in artisan bread baking and team management
- Strong hands-on skills across all aspects of baking: mixing, fermentation, shaping, lamination, and oven work
- Proven ability to lead a high-volume bread and viennoiserie section to consistent, high standards
- Experience in stock control, hygiene, equipment maintenance, and food safety
- A leadership style that motivates the team, encourages clear communication, and upholds quality
- Solid understanding of cost control, margin management, waste reduction, and production efficiency
- Language required: English. French is a plus
The company
Gatineau is the creation of master pâtissier Hervé and has been trading successfully since 2007. We are well established in Oxford, known for producing the finest artisan goods rooted in the French patisserie and boulangerie tradition.
All our breads, viennoiserie, cakes, savouries, and biscuits are developed by Hervé and his team using high-quality ingredients, carefully developed recipes, and meticulous attention to detail. With increasing demand for our products, we opened a dedicated production kitchen in Kidlington in 2018 to support our growing wholesale and retail operations.
