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BAKERY CHEF

The White Oak Cottage | Lithia, Florida

Position: Bakery Chef
Department: Culinary / Bakery
Reports To: Executive Chef / General Manager
Employment Type: Full-Time

ABOUT THE WHITE OAK COTTAGE

The White Oak Cottage is a unique destination combining an elevated restaurant, boutique home décor shopping, bakery, handcrafted beverages, and an exceptional guest experience—all under one roof.

We are looking for a talented and passionate Bakery Chef to lead the production and presentation of our bakery program. This is an opportunity for a creative culinary professional who takes pride in scratch-made products, consistency, presentation, quality ingredients, and creating baked goods that become a signature part of the Cottage experience.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Bakery Chef will be responsible for the day-to-day operation, production, quality, and presentation of The White Oak Cottage bakery.

The ideal candidate has strong pastry and baking fundamentals, an eye for detail, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to consistently produce exceptional products in a fast-paced hospitality environment.

This position requires someone who can work independently, manage production efficiently, maintain rigorous food-safety standards, and contribute creatively to the continued development of our bakery offerings.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Bakery Production

• Lead daily bakery production and ensure all products meet The White Oak Cottage's standards for quality, consistency, flavor, and presentation. This is a high volume, fast paced environment.
• Prepare a variety of scratch-made baked goods, including pastries, breads, biscuits, scones, cinnamon rolls, cakes, cookies, desserts, and seasonal specialties.
• Develop and execute recipes with precision and consistency.
• Maintain proper production schedules to ensure products are fresh and available when needed.
• Prepare products for restaurant service, retail bakery sales, brunch, High Tea, special events, and catering as needed.
• Maintain appropriate par levels and minimize waste through effective production planning.
• Ensure proper storage, labeling, dating, rotation, and handling of all bakery products and ingredients.

Menu Development & Creativity

• Collaborate with the Executive Chef and management team on new bakery and dessert offerings.
• Create seasonal and specialty items that reflect the Cottage's elevated culinary identity.
• Develop signature bakery products that can become recognizable staples of The White Oak Cottage.
• Assist with special-event menus, holiday offerings, private events, and promotional items.
• Maintain a high standard of visual presentation suitable for both an upscale restaurant and boutique retail environment.

Quality Control

• Maintain consistent portion sizes, recipes, baking times, temperatures, textures, and presentation.
• Inspect finished products throughout the day to ensure quality standards are met.
• Identify and correct production issues quickly and effectively.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of all bakery workspaces, equipment, refrigerators, freezers, and storage areas.

Inventory & Cost Control

• Monitor bakery inventory and communicate ordering needs to management.
• Assist with ordering and receiving bakery ingredients and supplies.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels while minimizing spoilage and waste.
• Follow recipes and production procedures designed to maintain food-cost targets.
• Practice proper FIFO inventory rotation.

Food Safety & Sanitation

• Follow all federal, state, and local food-safety regulations.
• Maintain proper food handling, storage, temperature control, sanitation, and allergen procedures.
• Ensure bakery equipment and work areas are cleaned and sanitized according to established standards.
• Maintain a clean, organized, professional bakery environment at all times.

Leadership

• Train and mentor bakery team members on recipes, techniques, presentation, sanitation, and production standards.
• Establish clear expectations for quality, efficiency, cleanliness, and professionalism.
• Work collaboratively with the restaurant culinary team and front-of-house staff.
• Lead by example and maintain a positive, professional kitchen culture.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous professional baking or pastry experience required.
• Culinary or pastry education preferred but not required with substantial professional experience.
• Strong knowledge of baking techniques, measurements, recipes, and production methods.
• Experience working in a professional restaurant, bakery or upscale culinary environment preferred.
• Strong understanding of food safety and sanitation standards.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a larger culinary team.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to consistency.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to lift and carry bakery ingredients and supplies and remain on your feet for extended periods.
• Flexible schedule, including weekends and holidays as required by business needs.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

We are looking for more than someone who can simply follow a recipe.

The ideal Bakery Chef is passionate about their craft and understands that the smallest details matter—from the texture of a perfectly baked scone to the presentation of a signature cinnamon roll.

You should be:

Creative. Always thinking about the next great pastry, dessert, or seasonal creation.

Precise. Baking demands consistency, and you understand that quality starts with attention to detail.

Organized. You can manage multiple products, production schedules, inventory, and deadlines without sacrificing quality.

Passionate. You genuinely love baking and take pride in what leaves your kitchen.

Team-oriented. You understand that the best guest experience comes from a culinary team working together.

Quality-driven. You refuse to compromise on ingredients, preparation, presentation, or cleanliness.

WHAT WE OFFER

• The opportunity to build and influence a growing bakery program.
• A creative culinary environment.
• Opportunity to develop signature menu items.
• Collaboration with an experienced culinary and hospitality team.
• A unique restaurant + bakery + boutique environment.
• Opportunity for professional growth within The White Oak Cottage. Open Wed thru Sunday.

HOW TO APPLY

If you are an experienced baker or pastry professional who wants the opportunity to create, lead, and put your signature on an exceptional bakery program, we want to meet you.

Join The White Oak Cottage and help us create something guests don't simply eat—they remember.

About The White Oak Cottage
The White Oak Cottage offers a unique Drink • Dine • Shop experience featuring upscale dining, handcrafted cocktails, curated wines, a fresh bakery, High Tea experiences, live entertainment, and over 5,000 square feet of beautiful home décor and garden inspiration.
If you are a passionate culinary leader with a commitment to excellence and a desire to create memorable guest experiences, we invite you to apply. Open Wednesday thru Sunday at 11am, Last dinner seating's at 8pm.