Artisan Baker (Night Shift)
At Babylonstoren, we believe bread is far more than flour and water—it is the heart of the table, a celebration of heritage craft, and the foundation of unforgettable culinary experiences. We are looking for a dedicated, skilled, and passionate Artisan Baker to join our production team. This is an exceptional opportunity to bring your mastery of slow fermentation and hand-shaped loaves to life while our estate sleeps, ensuring that every sunrise brings fresh, world-class bakes to our guests and farm shop.
Who is the ideal candidate?
You have a deep respect for the science and art of traditional baking. You thrive in the calm, focused rhythm of the night and take immense pride in turning raw, wholesome ingredients into golden, crusty perfection before dawn. You understand that true quality begins with patience and precision—from temperature control and hydration levels to scoring and baking times. You work seamlessly with your team and take ownership, delivering consistently exceptional results night after night.
Requirements
- At least 3 to 5 years’ hands-on experience in artisan bread production and laminated doughs.
- Proven experience handling sourdough starters, long-fermentation doughs, and wood-fired or deck ovens.
- Full availability and willingness to work regular night shifts, weekends, and public holidays.
- Deep understanding of dough, hydration, shaping techniques, and crumb structure.
- Strong physical stamina and the ability to lift heavy flour bags and stand for extended periods.
- Strict adherence to food safety, hygiene regulations (HACCP), and workplace cleanliness standards.
- Strong time management, self-motivation, and reliability when working overnight.
- Good communication skills and a team-first mindset.
As an Artisan Baker on our night team, you will be the engine behind our morning service. You will take charge of mixing, shaping, proofing, and baking to ensure that every loaf leaving our ovens reflects the unmatched quality Babylonstoren is celebrated for.
Responsibilities
- Manage the overnight production cycle for daily artisan breads, baguettes, rustic loaves, and morning pastries
- Maintain and feed sourdough starters with strict attention to temperature and fermentation schedules.
- Mix, scale, fold, shape, and score doughs by hand to exact specifications.
- Operate, monitor, and clean commercial deck ovens, mixers, proofer cabinets, and kitchen equipment.
- Monitor oven temperatures, steam injection, and bake times to ensure uniform crust, color, and texture.
- Manage stock rotation (FIFO) and raw ingredient prep for upcoming production runs.
- Maintain impeccable sanitation standards across all prep tables, utensils, and baking stations throughout the shift.
- Hand over morning stock cleanly and communicate clearly with the daytime culinary and retail teams.
Why Babylonstoren?
At Babylonstoren, you won't simply work in a bakery—you’ll become part of a working farm where agriculture, craftsmanship, and hospitality unite. Here, you'll have access to stoneground flours, fresh farm produce, and traditional methods rarely preserved at scale. You'll work alongside passionate artisans who value your craft, take pride in honest food, and support your growth.
If you are a committed baker ready to master your craft through the quiet focus of the night, we look forward to hearing from you.