Associate Head Baker

About Le Fournil
Le Fournil is a French-inspired artisanal bakery and café in Seattle, known for classic French breads, viennoiseries, and pastries. We're entering a new phase of growth and looking for a driven, ambitious baker who wants to help lead the next generation of Le Fournil and grow along.

Job Summary
We are hiring an Associate Head Baker to work closely with ownership and lead a team of associate bakers. This role starts hands-on and can grow into a key leadership position as we expand our retail, catering, and wholesale operations.

If you're a hungry, ambitious French baker who wants real responsibility, willing to carry on a strong taste legacy, and have a visible impact on a growing bakery, this role is for you.

You must be a willing and able leader with demonstrable ownership mentality, can effectively manage hiring, run a baking team daily and be able to adapt to business needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day production of French breads (baguettes, boules, etc.), Viennoiseries (croissants, pains au chocolat, cupcakes, muffins etc.), Tarts, cakes, and classic French pastries
• Lead by example in cake decorating, pastry crafting, and food plating to inspire team members and maintain creative standards. Supervise and mentor a team of associate bakers, to hold the bar on legacy of authentic French taste, train new hires, daily station assignments and workflow. Uphold quality, consistency, and timing
• Work closely with management on new product development and seasonal hits like pumpkin pies, Bûche de Noëls, etc.
• Oversee food handling procedures, ensuring compliance with food safety regulations and proper sanitation practices
• Coordinate packaging processes for finished products, ensuring accuracy, presentation, and timely delivery. Production planning for retail, to-go, and catering. Scaling up for wholesale and special orders
• Support food production workflows by organizing ingredients, managing inventory, and optimizing kitchen efficiency with waste reduction and efficient use of ingredients
• Help build a positive, professional, and accountable kitchen culture while delivering excellent customer service by engaging with clients during events or in retail settings when applicable

Experience

• Significant French baking experience of 5+ years in a professional setting is a must. Willing to work Bakery hours is a must, with a strong background in culinary arts, pastry making, or baking
• Prior experience fully running a baking team (as Head Baker, Lead Baker, or equivalent) – including scheduling, training, and production management. Extensive kitchen experience with proficiency in cooking techniques and food handling safety protocols.
• Able to demonstrated hands-on skills in cake decorating, food presentation, and packaging for various food products - Precise execution of classic and authentic French pastries
• Knowledge of food safety standards and certifications relevant to the industry (e.g., ServSafe)
• Lead by example on the floor. Communicate clearly and calmly during busy periods. Balance quality, speed, and volume. Ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently while maintaining attention to detail in a fast-paced setting

Compensation & Growth
Highly competitive salary, commensurate with experience and leadership ability. Opportunities for role and compensation expansion with accrued growth (greater responsibility, potential to move into Head Baker / Production Manager level).

How to Apply
Please submit your resume (or CV) with brief cover note describing your French baking experience, your pitch for growing the bakery, teams you've led and the size of those teams and why you want to grow with Le Fournil specifically.

Any photos or Instagram/portfolio links or supportive evidence to build your case is welcome but optional.

Use the subject line: "Associate Head Baker – Le Fournil" if applying by email, or include a short intro in your application.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $ $29.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Store discount

Experience:

• Bakery: 5 years (Required)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Overnight Shift (Required)
• Night Shift (Required)
• Day Shift (Preferred)

Work Location: In person