Lead Baker

**Full-Time Lead Baker - Niagara-on-the-Lake**

Are you a passionate and experienced baker with an entrepreneurial spirit and a love for fresh, local ingredients? Do you dream of creating nostalgic, show-stopping pastries and cakes that make people say, “I have to come back for that”? We’re looking for a talented **Lead Baker** to join our growing team—a true craftsperson who can balance following tried-and-true recipes with the freedom to innovate.

This is a full-time role at a well-loved Niagara destination, offering the opportunity to lead in a fast-paced environment while being part of a warm, homegrown team. Whether you’re plating pies, prepping pastries, or building a custom cake, your attention to detail and creativity will shine.

**About Us**:
At The Grove, we’re rooted in community. We celebrate local farms and producers, and we’re proud to offer homemade goodness that brings people together. Our on-site hometown bakery is known for its farm-fresh ingredients, signature pies, and mouthwatering baked goods that feel like a warm hug. We craft custom cakes and excellent local wholesale partnerships, and we need someone who can help us take that next step.

**What We’re Looking For**:
A **Lead Baker** who:

- Has **experience in a high-volume bakery or kitchen** and can handle the heat—especially during peak seasons (June 1 - Sept 10 and major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and Valentine’s Day).
- Is **organized and detail-oriented**, ensuring every item looks and tastes just right, especially when preparing deliveries to local businesses and restaurants.
- Has strong baking fundamentals and can **follow established recipes** to maintain consistency and quality for our loyal customers.
- Has a **creative spark**, excited to develop new seasonal treats, pastries, and custom cakes (experience with fondant and cake design is a big plus).
- Can **take initiative**, pitch in where needed, and **lead a small team** if required.
- Is **entrepreneurial** and eager to grow with us as we expand into new opportunities and wholesale accounts.
- Is comfortable working independently but also thrives in a team-focused, positive kitchen culture.
- Is open to **ongoing learning** and excited about food trends, with a commitment to quality, community, and innovation.

**Special Grove Perk - Market Inspiration Day**:
Every 12 weeks, our Lead Baker gets a dedicated day to explore local or nearby markets, bakeries, and cafés for inspiration and fresh ideas. A small stipend is provided to support this delicious research—we want you to stay inspired and bring those ideas back to our kitchen.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Follow and respect our legacy recipes while maintaining consistency and top quality.
- Create delicious new items aligned with our farm-to-table, community-first values.
- Prepare and organize baked goods for delivery to partner restaurants and businesses.
- Lead by example, help guide junior bakers, and ensure the kitchen runs efficiently.
- Maintain a clean and food-safe workspace at all times.
- Assist with the expansion of our custom cake offerings (especially fondant and finishing skills).
- Help us grow by bringing energy, ideas, and leadership to a collaborative, heart-filled kitchen.

**Qualifications**:

- **Minimum 2 years of baking experience** in a similar setting (bakery, cafe, or kitchen).
- Pastry or culinary education is a bonus, not a requirement.
- Red Seal certification is an asset but not required.
- Food handler certification required.
- Experience with **fondant**, **custom cakes**, and **advanced finishing techniques** is a strong asset.
- Comfortable with basic baking math, scaling recipes, and multitasking in a high-volume environment.
- Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
- Fluent in English (spoken and written).

**Compensation & Benefits**:

- **Salary**: Competitive, based on experience.
- **Professional Development**: Financial support for ongoing training, leadership coaching, or personal development.
- **Therapeutic Treatments**: Health and wellness allowance.
- **Market Research Day**: A paid inspiration day every 12 weeks to explore and taste.
- **Team Culture**: We love to celebrate wins—company events, shoutouts, and the occasional bakery pizza party.
- **Perks**: On-site parking, store discount, and yes, occasional leftovers.

**Schedule**:

- Full-time
- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed during holidays and peak seasons

**How to Apply**:
We’d also love a short (1-3 minute) video answering these:

- What’s your favorite thing to bake and why?
- What would your signature item at The Grove be?

Join our team as a Pastry Cook where your creativity will shine through your culinary creations

**Benefits**:

- Company events
- On-site parking
- Store discount

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday
- Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person