Head Baker/Bread Master/Pastry Chef - Gluten Free

Head Baker — The Happy Tart (Falls Church, VA) Full-time | Leadership Role | Gluten-Free Patisserie + Café The Happy Tart is not a "good for gluten-free" bakery. We are a great bakery — full stop. We're looking for a Head Baker at upcoming store location(s) to lead production, elevate execution, and help us continue building one of the most ambitious gluten-free pastry programs in the region. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who cares deeply about craft, thrives in a high-output environment, and takes pride in building systems that actually work. •Candidates with a portfolio or social media account showcasing their pastry work are strongly encouraged to apply.• What You'll Own Lead daily production across breads, pastry, cakes, and café items Set and maintain high visual + quality standards — every time, no exceptions Manage production schedules, pars, and prep flow Train, coach, and develop a growing BOH team Ensure consistency across high-volume output (we do not sacrifice quality for scale) Collaborate on seasonal menu development and product innovation Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient kitchen What We're Looking For Strong professional background in baking and pastry (3+ years commercial kitchen experience required) Demonstrated expertise across: Breads (yeasted + unyeasted; enriched, laminated, and quick breads) Cakes & Cupcakes (mixing methods, structure, scaling, finishing) Pastry & Patisserie (laminated doughs, mousses, curds, creams, composed desserts, refined finishing) You understand pastry at a technical level — not just execution, but the why behind it : structure, balance, emulsions, and how to make it all hold up at scale Strong working knowledge of pastry fundamentals — you can troubleshoot, not just follow recipes Experience in high-volume production and tight timelines Leadership experience — you can coach, correct, and elevate and uplift team Detail-oriented to a fault (you notice everything) Calm under pressure — you don't spiral during a Saturday rush

Bonus:

Experience with gluten-free baking food science or interest in mastering it (building structure without gluten is a different discipline entirely.) What This Role Is (and Isn't) This is: A leadership role with real ownership A chance to shape systems, not just follow them A kitchen that values precision, consistency, and growth This is not: A low-accountability environment A place where "good enough" flies A purely creative role without operational rigor Why The Happy Tart 100% gluten-free, professionally run kitchen Rapidly growing brand with strong community recognition High standards + clear expectations (no chaos-for-chaos' sake) Owner-led, operationally disciplined business A team that is actively leveling up Compensation & Schedule Competitive salary (based on experience) Full-time; early mornings + weekend availability required Growth opportunity as the business scales How to Apply Send over your resume and a short note about your experience—and what you actually care about when it comes to quality, standards, and how a kitchen runs. Immediate hiring for the right candidate seeking long-term collaboration and leadership. •Candidates with a portfolio or social media account showcasing their pastry work are strongly encouraged to apply.• If you're someone who walks into a bakery and immediately notices what could be better— we'd probably get along.

Pay:

$20.00 - $30.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person