Baking & Pastry Manager

Baking and Pastry Manager Position Type:

Full-time employment, 40 hours per week. Non-Exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Description:

The Baking and Pastry Manager is responsible for leading all baking and pastry operations at Norfolk Botanical Garden. This role creates and executes a high-quality, scratch-made baking program that supports a high-volume daily café service, seasonal menus, and special events. The ideal candidate brings strong technical baking skills, creativity inspired by seasonal and garden-grown ingredients, and a passion for consistency, presentation, and guest experience.

Essential Functions:

Prepare and oversee daily production of breads, pastries, viennoiserie, desserts, and baked goods for breakfast, lunch, and café service. Develop and execute seasonal baking menus that reflect the Garden's mission, local ingredients, and culinary vision. Ensure consistent quality, flavor, freshness, and presentation of all baked items. Manage production schedules to meet service needs while minimizing waste. Responsible for interviewing, hiring, assigning their employee's work, as well as managing their employee's development to include conducting the annual review, performance management and if needed, administering coaching or discipline. Provide supervision, mentorship, and on-the-job training to team members. Responsibly direct team members in job assignments, advanced techniques, and specialized equipment. Implement and uphold standardized recipes, prep lists, and production schedules to maintain consistent food quality, presentation, and portion control. Manage inventory, ordering, and proper storage of baking equipment, ingredients and supplies. Maintain compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health department standards. Monitor food and labor costs within established budget guidelines. Maintain bakery equipment and coordinate maintenance or repairs as needed. Assist with food cost control, inventory management, and waste reduction. Work closely with the Chef de Cuisine and Front of House team to ensure baked goods complement savory menus and beverage offerings. Support special events, catering, and seasonal programs hosted at Norfolk Botanical Garden. Contribute ideas for limited-time offerings, holidays, and signature Garden-inspired items.

Essential Physical Functions:

Ability to stand for extended periods of time, bend, stoop, and work in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.

Qualifications:

Minimum of 3-5 years of professional baking experience, with at least 1-2 years in a leadership role. Strong knowledge of high-volume scratch production, pastry, and classic baking techniques. Passion for seasonal ingredients, sustainability, and artisanal food practices. Ability to work flexible hours including early mornings, weekends, and holidays as required. Knowledge of food safety standards and regulations. Culinary degree or formal training.

Benefits:

Health insurance including an HSA or copay option (NBG pays 70% of individual premium and 65% of dependent/family premium) 403(b) retirement plan with discretionary 4% match Company sponsored life-insurance coverage. Group rates on voluntary benefits such as dental, supplemental medical expense insurance, FSA, DCA, vision, STD, LTD, accident and critical illness. Paid vacation, sick leave and holidays. Professional development opportunities. Staff discounts on programming & gift shop. NBG logo wear for work provided. EAP services for all employees.

Reports to:

Chef de

Cuisine Supervises:

Bakery Staff Equal Employer Opportunity (EEO) statement: NBG is committed to the principles and ideals of equal employment opportunity. It is, and shall continue to be, the policy and practice throughout NBG to foster equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination for applicants, employees, and volunteers without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, marital status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, status as a veteran, or other protected status, if qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Pay:

$50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) 401(k) matching Bereavement leave Dental insurance Employee assistance program Employee discount Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Opportunities for advancement Paid time off Parental leave Professional development assistance Retirement plan Store discount Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person