City : Waterloo, ON

Category : Permanent

Industry : Education

Employer : University of Waterloo

The Head Baker will be responsible for the efficient and timely production of baked goods for use in all areas within the UWFS unit(s) on campus. The incumbent will have oversight of the day-to-day operations of a commercial bake shop kitchen, ensuring the highest standards of food quality, preparation, and production, in addition to sanitation, health and safety, and customer satisfaction. Operations will be consistent with objectives, policies, procedures and the CUPE Local 793 Collective Agreement. Production level may vary throughout the year; current average production level is approximately two hundred (200) dozen items per day.

This position is contingent on funding.

Responsible for the day-to-day bake shop kitchen operation:

• Plan and manage food production in accordance with recognized preparation procedures, and effectively utilize all available resources
• Demonstrate display baking techniques using skill and creativity in the preparation and presentation of bake shop products
• Develop and coordinate with chef’s menu selections of bake shop themed items for special events, and any accommodation required for special dietary needs
• Order products and supplies from approved suppliers, consistent with University procedures and Departmental guidelines. Ensure invoices are reconciled with products received and may assist in assessing supplier service and product quality
• Ensure proper turnover of food and materials minimizing waste and spoilage
• Regularly conduct and oversee the monthly inventory counts and valuations process
• Comply with all relevant legislations and guidelines including but not limited to Occupational Health and Safety, Health Protection and Promotion Act, Employment Standards, CUPE Local 793 Collective Agreement, University Policies and Procedures

Take a lead role in ensuring the safe preparation and handling of food and general oversight over health and safety standards:

• Ensure Public Health / Steritech standards for sanitation and food safety are met
• Maintain an overall focus on health and safety ensuring the workplace is clean, safe, hygienic and organized
• Represent a clean professional image for the public and maintain exemplary personal hygiene
• Ensure applicable training is up-to-date for self and direct reports

Effectively supervise staff, including CUPE Local 793 members, casual part-time and/or salaried staff:

• Oversee the work of and provide direction, training and mentoring to applicable bake shop staff
• Maintain positive working relationships with all stakeholders, fostering collaboration and maintaining high staff morale
• Utilize performance coaching techniques to motivate and guide staff. May be required to conduct annual performance evaluations with salaried staff, if applicable
• Take corrective action and performance manage staff as required. Consultation with Employee Relations Coordinator, Executive Chef and/or Human Resources may be required
• Schedule applicable employees to optimize staffing levels and coverage
• Required to mentor and train culinary apprentices
• Assist with recruitment activities and training of applicable staff
• May be required to prepare and submit bi-weekly payroll for a small group of employees using proprietary software

Financial accountabilities:

• Create, evaluate and maintain food products through recipe management and to ensure targets are met through relevant software (i.e. FSO). This includes recipe development, adjustments, inputting and reviewing recipes within our FSO system
• In collaboration with unit Chef, control and manage food costs and applicable labour costs, ensuring production and serving controls as per budget targets
• Work within established guidelines to appropriately price products. Consultation with relevant committees and/or consultation with Area Manager/Executive Chef may be required
• Make recommendations on best price and quality product to source, in collaboration with Chef
• May be required to provide cost analysis and recommend corrective action where needed
• May assist in developing the annual operating food cost budget for assigned unit(s)

Contribute to the delivery of a positive customer experience:

• Assist with themed events to increase customer participation and engagement.
• Actively participate in relevant departmental and other related committees.
• In collaboration with the Marketing and Communications Coordinator, develop themed events to increase customer participation and engagement
• In collaboration with Executive Chef, develop and implement new fresh and healthy products, including specialized items, which meet or exceed quality standards
• Meet with customers/clients to discuss bake shop selections and special dietary needs. May be required to produce product tastings for potential clients
• May participate in baking and teaching demonstrations for staff and students to promote UW Food Services’ programs, menus and products

Other duties as assigned:

• Participate in training and development opportunities to keep industry knowledge current and remain aware of emerging trends
• Ensure participation in all departmental committee meetings, including leadership meetings, team meetings, pricing meetings, etc.
• May participate in the planning, management and execution of special projects, unit renovations and the introduction of new programs
• Coverage for team members during absences
• Participate in sustainability initiatives

• Certified Red Seal (baker). Must currently hold red seal certification in the capacity of baker or a recognized equivalency in accordance with the ministry
• Advanced knowledge of Food Safety and WHMIS
• Smart Serve certified is considered an asset
• Must have 5+ years’ experience in a high volume institutional/industrial bakery producing pies, rolls, cakes, donuts, cookies, puddings, French and Danish pastries, breads, etc.
• Proven positive leadership experience, demonstrating an ability to mentor and develop bake shop staff
• The individual will have some practical knowledge of cake decorating
• Experience within a unionized environment is preferred, including demonstrated experience with coaching, performance management and employee development. Proven ability to foster a sense of community, enhance student learning and support the overall mission of the department and the university
• Ability to be self-motivated and lead by example to maintain a high caliber of work ethic
• A sound knowledge of bakery equipment including smallware’s and production pieces, with a basic knowledge of their operation, maintenance, and safety precautions will be required
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills in financial analysis, costing, inventory control and budgetary procedures
• Possess excellent customer service skills with a high degree of professionalism and courtesy
• Proven ability to create fresh and exciting products, focusing on local and healthy food choices
• Experience applying strict health and safety standards both with food production and workplace safety
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to perform under pressure and meet strict deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to promote and manage a positive customer experience while exhibiting a high degree of professionalism and courtesy
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with various levels and functions of a business
• Demonstrated ability to apply sound judgment, tact and objectivity when dealing with concerns and issues that arise
• Must possess a strong ability in positive communication skills; specifically ability to receive and provide instructions orally and in writing
• Proven ability to read and interpret general business publications, financial reports, recipes, manuals collective bargaining agreements and safety regulations
• Must be proficient with Windows, Microsoft Excel, Word, Internet and Email, and able to learn proprietary software
• Must be able to work flexible hours to meet workload demands

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within our Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion.  As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca  or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.