Artisan Baker Job
Location: Chatham, Kent, UK
Salary: £30,000 – £35,000 (depending on experience)
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week (4-day working week: Thursday–Sunday)
Business Type: Artisan Bakery – Wholesale & Retail Production Bakery
Are you an experienced Baker with a passion for traditional artisan methods and high-quality handcrafted bread and pastries?
Join a thriving artisan bakery in Chatham, recently refurbished and rapidly expanding, with a second location opening in Rochester within the next month. This is a rare opportunity to become part of a dedicated, hands-on team producing exceptional French-inspired pastries and sourdough bread from scratch, with everything made in-house to the highest standard.
This is a physically demanding but highly rewarding role within a quality-driven environment where craftsmanship is valued over mass production.
About the Role
This is a key production baker position within a small, skilled team. You will work directly with the Head Baker, following established methods, particularly for sourdough production, while also contributing to the wider bakery range including baguettes, buns, laminated pastries, and other artisan baked goods.
The bakery operates both retail and wholesale, supplying fresh products daily and maintaining strict quality standards. You will be expected to work independently after training, especially on Sunday shifts.
Early starts are essential, with production typically beginning between 12:00am and 1:00am to ensure fresh output for the day.
What’s in It for You?
- Salary: £30,000 – £35,000 (based on experience and commitment)
- Hours: 40 hours over 4 days (Thursday–Sunday)
- Shifts: Early starts (12:00am–1:00am), longer shifts to allow 3 days off
- Time Off: Monday–Wednesday off weekly
- Training: Full training provided in artisan sourdough and bakery methods
- Environment: Small, skilled artisan team with strong focus on quality
- Perks: Free coffee and pastries during shifts
- Growth: Opportunity to grow with an expanding bakery opening a second site in Rochester
Who We’re Looking For
You are a skilled, reliable baker with experience in artisan or production bakery environments. You must be comfortable working early hours and handling physically demanding work, including significant dough production volumes.
A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential due to early start times and location requirements.
This role suits someone who is committed, passionate about craft baking, and able to work independently once trained.
Key Responsibilities
- Artisan sourdough production following established bakery methods
- Production of baguettes, buns, and laminated pastries
- Assisting with pastry development (including fillings and new product ideas)
- Full participation in daily production from early morning starts
- General bakery cleaning and hygiene maintenance
- Working as part of a small team, with independent Sunday shifts
- Maintaining consistent quality across high-volume dough production
What You’ll Need
- Previous experience as a baker in a production or artisan bakery environment
- Strong understanding of sourdough and bread production
- Ability to work very early morning shifts (12am–1am starts)
- Physically fit and able to handle demanding production volumes
- Full UK driving licence and reliable transport
- Good communication skills and willingness to be trained in specific methods
- Strong reliability and commitment to consistent attendance
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you are a dedicated baker who takes pride in traditional craftsmanship and wants to be part of a growing artisan bakery, we would love to hear from you.
If you are a member of the Armed Forces Community, including ex-military personnel, reservists, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, or military spouses/partners, please indicate this in your application.
Alternatively, you may email your CV directly to info@ksbrecruitment.co.uk, stating the role you are applying for and outlining your connection to the Armed Forces.
INDCH