Cavan Bakery - Confectionery Manager
Location: Hersham, Walton on Thames Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent (5–6 days per week)
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and commercially minded Confectionery Manager or Head Pastry Chef to join a thriving artisan bakery with nearly 100 years of heritage. As we continue to grow, we are seeking a creative, hands-on leader to take full ownership of our confectionery department — driving operational excellence, team development, product innovation, and exceptional quality standards. You will combine strong leadership with technical expertise and a passion for product development, ensuring our handcrafted range continues to evolve while honouring our longstanding reputation for excellence.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Department Management
Report directly to the Operations Manager, providing clear updates on performance, production, and development initiatives.
Lead, inspire, and develop the confectionery team, fostering a culture of accountability, craftsmanship, and continuous improvement.
Plan and oversee daily and weekly production schedules to ensure efficiency, consistency, and on-time delivery.
Monitor team performance, conduct regular reviews, and proactively address training or performance gaps.
Drive effective labour planning and resource allocation to optimise productivity.
Maintain strong cross-department collaboration to support overall bakery operations.
Product Development & Innovation
Lead the development of new confectionery products in line with seasonal trends, customer demand, and commercial objectives.
Continuously review and refine the existing product range to improve quality, profitability, and market relevance.
Conduct product trials, tastings, and testing to ensure new launches meet brand standards.
Manage recipe development, costing, and documentation to ensure scalability and margin control.
Identify opportunities for innovation while respecting the bakery’s heritage and brand identity.
Work closely with senior leadership on strategic range planning and promotional launches.
Operational Excellence & Quality
Take full ownership of the day-to-day operations of the confectionery department.
Ensure all pastry, cake, and confectionery items are produced in line with company recipes, specifications, and production schedules.
Maintain and elevate product standards for appearance, taste, consistency, and finish.
Implement continuous improvements to processes, workflow, and waste reduction.
Oversee stock control, ingredient usage, and departmental budget management to maintain strong cost control.
Food Safety & Compliance
Ensure full compliance with food safety legislation and company policies.
Conduct regular hygiene audits and maintain accurate documentation of all safety procedures.
Lead allergen management practices and ensure team-wide understanding and compliance.
Promote a culture of hygiene excellence and operational discipline throughout the department.
Experience & Skills Required
Proven experience in a senior confectionery, bakery, or pastry leadership role.
Strong technical expertise across confectionery and pastry production, including Viennoiserie.
Demonstrated experience in product development and recipe costing.
Commercial awareness with the ability to balance creativity and profitability.
Strong leadership, coaching, and team development capability.
Excellent organisational, planning, and problem-solving skills.
High attention to detail and commitment to delivering exceptional quality.
Passion for artisan baking and continuous innovation.
Benefits
Uniform provided
Social events
Free bread allowance
50% discount on Cavan Bakery products
Workplace pension scheme
Free lunch provided while on shift
On-site parking
Cycle-to-work scheme
A celebratory box of cakes on your birthday
28 days’ holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata)
Access to a 24/7 employee assistance helpline offering confidential advice and support
'Inclusion & Diversity At Cavan Bakery we all have a part to play in creating an inclusive place to work. Diverse representation among our people is really important to us, and we recognise that all our colleagues are uniquely different and bring their own originality, creativity and identity to work. Inclusion and diversity is a key driver of innovation and we’re committed to creating culture where everyone feels that they can be themselves. We’re looking for people from all backgrounds and cultures to join us and be a part of our journey.'
If you are interested in this role please contact careers@thecavanbakery.co.uk or call on 020 8941 5247.