Head of Food Production Operations

Department:

Food Production / Culinary Operations

Reports To:

President & CEO of Trees Organic Coffee & Cheesecake

Job Overview:

The Head of Food Production Operations & Executive Baker/Chef is responsible for overseeing all aspects of food production, including the management of daily kitchen operations, recipe development, and ensuring the highest quality standards are met for any food/pastries/desserts leaving Trees Head Office. This role requires a balance of culinary creativity, managerial skills, and operational efficiency to ensure smooth production processes, cost control, food safety, and the overall success of the food offerings. The individual will be responsible for leading a team of bakers, coordinating production timelines, and ensuring that every product meets both the company's and customers' expectations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Food Production & Operations Management:

• Oversee Production: Supervise all aspects of food production, ensuring high standards of quality, consistency, and efficiency. Coordinate with kitchen staff, bakers, and operations teams.
• Optimize Workflow: Design and implement efficient workflows to streamline production while maintaining quality. Ensure that kitchen and baking stations are well-organized and properly equipped.
• Supply Chain Management: Manage inventory and ensure that raw materials, ingredients, and supplies are stocked in accordance with Trees production needs, minimizing waste and reducing costs.
• Ensure Compliance: Maintain strict adherence to food safety standards, cleanliness, and sanitation protocols, ensuring compliance with health regulations and certifications.
• Cost Control: Monitor Trees current recipes, production costs, including labor, ingredients, and overheads. Develop and implement strategies to improve cost efficiency without compromising on product quality.

2. Culinary Leadership:

• Recipe Development: Develop and innovate new recipes, including signature Trees cheesecakes, baked goods, desserts, and other culinary offerings. Create a balanced menu that reflects current food trends and customer preferences.
• Quality Assurance: Continuously monitor food quality across production batches, ensuring taste, texture, and presentation align with established standards.
• Staff Training: Provide ongoing training and development for kitchen and bakery staff to enhance culinary skills, improve operational knowledge, and foster a positive work environment.
• Collaborate with Executive Team: Work closely with the senior management team to align production strategies with the company's overall vision and goals.

3. Team Management & Leadership:

• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and motivate a diverse culinary team. Ensure strong communication and collaboration between kitchen staff, bakers, and other departments.
• Staff Scheduling: Oversee staffing needs, ensuring adequate coverage and efficient use of resources across different shifts and busy production periods.
• Conflict Resolution: Handle any personnel-related issues, mediate conflicts, and address concerns to maintain a harmonious and productive workplace.

4. Customer & Market Focus:

• Customer Feedback: Stay attuned to customer preferences and feedback to adjust recipes, ingredients, or techniques as necessary.
• Product Consistency: Ensure consistency in product quality across all production runs and maintain standards for taste, texture, and visual appeal.
• Seasonal Menu Adjustments: Develop and implement seasonal menu offerings to keep the food offerings fresh, exciting, and aligned with market trends.

5. Budgeting & Financial Oversight:

• Budgeting: Assist with the preparation of departmental budgets, including forecasting production costs and managing expenses.
• Revenue Growth: Collaborate with the marketing and sales teams to drive revenue through innovative product offerings and strategic partnerships.

Required Qualifications:

• Education:
• Culinary Arts degree or equivalent formal training is required.
• Additional certifications in food safety and operations management (e.g., ServSafe) are highly preferred.
• Experience:
• Minimum of 5-10 years of experience in the culinary industry, with at least 3-5 years in a leadership role overseeing food production operations.
• Proven track record as an Executive Chef, Head Baker, or similar senior culinary role in a high-volume or large-scale food production environment.
• Skills:
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Deep knowledge of food safety regulations and quality control standards.
• Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Ability to manage production schedules and maintain workflow efficiency under pressure.
• Skilled in budgeting, cost management, and inventory control.
• High proficiency in various cooking techniques, baking methods, and recipe development.
• Creativity in developing new and innovative dishes, baked goods, and desserts.
• Technical Proficiency:
• Familiarity with kitchen equipment, industrial baking machinery, and production software systems.
• Knowledge of supply chain management, inventory tracking, and food costing software is a plus.

Personal Attributes:

• Strong attention to detail and a passion for quality.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• High standards of personal and professional integrity.
• Adaptability and openness to new ideas and feedback.

Working Conditions:

• Full-time position, often requiring long hours, weekends, and holidays during peak production periods.
• Ability to stand for long periods and work in a fast-paced kitchen environment.
• Physical demands may include lifting heavy items, standing, bending, and working with hot equipment.
• Work with ownership as we add Trees current retail locations from 15 to 23 in 2026 and to 10 additional new Trees retail cafes by 2028.

Compensation & Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience. Ranging from $65,000-$80,000
• Health insurance, paid time off (PTO), and other employee benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and growth.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $65,000.00-$80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Store discount

Work Location: In person