Baker

Position: Baker

Type: Full-time, 38 hours per week

Employer: Tea Cozy 2 Pty Ltd trading as The Tea Cosy

Location: 7 Atherden Street, The Rocks, Sydney, NSW 2000

Salary: $80,000 per annum plus superannuation

About the Business

The Tea Cosy is a specialist tea house and café located in a heritage-listed building in the historic Rocks area of Sydney. The business has established a distinctive reputation for its freshly baked scones and traditional Devonshire tea experience, with scones baked fresh on the premises throughout the day.

The Tea Cosy’s baking operation focuses on the specialist, small-batch and handmade production of scones for direct sale to customers through its café, takeaway and pre-order services. The business offers traditional plain scones as well as a range of specialty, seasonal and savoury varieties, with its menu changing according to seasonal ingredients, availability and daily or monthly specials. The scones are prepared and baked by hand on the premises, including specialty products such as seasonal flavours, and the business also prepares gluten-free scones fresh to order and offers vegan options by request.

About the Position

The Baker is responsible for the daily production of The Tea Cosy’s handmade scones and other baked products at its premises at 7 Atherden Street, The Rocks. The role ensures that freshly baked goods are available throughout each trading day to meet café, takeaway, pre-order and function demand. Reporting to the Director, the Baker plans and runs the baking schedule and upholds the business’s approved recipes and presentation standards. The Baker also prepares gluten-free and vegan products with strict allergen controls, guides kitchen staff in preparation methods, and contributes to the development of new and seasonal products, which makes the role central to the quality and reputation on which the business depends.

Key Responsibilities

• Select, measure and weigh flour, butter, dairy products, eggs, sugar, yeast and other ingredients according to approved recipes and production requirements, checking the quality and suitability of raw materials before use.
• Prepare, mix, knead, rest, portion and shape dough and pastry products using appropriate techniques to achieve the required consistency and finished characteristics.
• Prepare and bake The Tea Cosy’s handmade scones, including traditional, specialty, seasonal and savoury varieties, together with cakes, pastries and other baked products in line with approved recipes and menu requirements.
• Prepare gluten-free and vegan products using appropriate ingredients, preparation and handling procedures, taking reasonable steps to minimise cross-contamination.
• Prepare batters, fillings and other components to the consistency required for baking and assembly.
• Finish, glaze, decorate and arrange baked products for service in accordance with The Tea Cosy’s presentation and service standards.
• Follow and maintain approved recipes, portion specifications, production methods and food preparation standards, and implement authorised changes to recipes and procedures to ensure consistent production outcomes.
• Inspect finished products for freshness, texture, appearance, portion and overall quality, and address any products that do not meet the required standard.
• Operate commercial ovens, mixers and other baking equipment safely and efficiently, including loading and unloading baking trays, tins and other equipment during production.
• Monitor oven temperatures, baking times and product appearance, and make adjustments to achieve the required texture, colour, consistency and finished quality.
• Coordinate the forming, loading, baking, unloading, de-panning and cooling of batches so that production is completed efficiently and products are available for service.
• Plan and complete daily baking requirements according to anticipated customer demand, takeaway orders, pre-orders, special functions and seasonal requirements.
• Monitor the availability, condition and use of ingredients and baking supplies, maintain appropriate stock levels, and report any shortages or quality issues to management.
• Minimise food waste through accurate measurement, appropriate batch planning, correct storage, stock rotation and careful handling of ingredients and finished products.
• Check the cleanliness, condition and safe operation of baking equipment and production areas before use, and empty, clean, grease and maintain baking trays, tins and other equipment after production.
• Maintain food hygiene, food safety, allergen management and work health and safety standards throughout preparation, baking, storage and service, and take reasonable care of the employer’s property, equipment and facilities.
• Assist with coordinating daily kitchen production and workflow, including allocating preparation tasks and coordinating staff breaks and finishing times according to operational requirements.
• Monitor day-to-day kitchen production and provide practical guidance to kitchen staff to maintain food quality, preparation standards and efficient workflow.
• Train and guide food preparation staff in approved recipes, preparation techniques, presentation requirements, food safety procedures and kitchen standards.
• Assist with the development and testing of new and seasonal baked products in line with the menu, customer demand and business requirements.
• Maintain a professional and respectful workplace and perform other reasonable duties within the scope of the position.

Requirements

• Australian citizens and permanent residents are encouraged to apply.
• AQF Certificate III, including at least two years of on-the-job training, or AQF Certificate IV in a relevant field; or at least three years of relevant work experience in lieu of formal qualifications.
• Minimum of 12 months of relevant experience in commercial baking.
• Sound knowledge of dough, pastry, batter and scone production techniques, and confidence operating commercial ovens, mixers and baking equipment.
• Working knowledge of food safety, hygiene and allergen management practices, including gluten-free and vegan preparation and the prevention of cross-contamination.
• Ability to plan production against forecast demand, manage stock rotation and control waste, and follow recipes and portion specifications precisely.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to guide and train kitchen staff and coordinate daily workflow.
• A strong eye for quality and presentation, good problem-solving skills under time pressure, and availability to work a roster across the café’s trading days, including weekends and public holidays as required.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume with a valid email address through this online portal. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.