JOB PURPOSEThe Bakery Manager – Catering is responsible for leading all bakery and pastry production within a high-volume catering operation, ensuring consistent product quality, food safety compliance, cost control, and timely delivery across client sites and events. The role combines hands-on culinary leadership with production planning, team management, and vendor coordination to support the wider catering business in the UAE.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIESPlan, schedule, and oversee daily bakery and pastry production to meet catering menus, banquet orders, and event volumes across multiple sites. Develop and standardize recipes, portion sizes, and production yields; maintain recipe costing to support gross margin targets. Ensure all bakery items meet quality, taste, and presentation standards consistent with client and brand expectations. Lead, train, and supervise bakery chefs, pastry cooks, and assistants; manage rosters, performance, and skills development. Maintain strict compliance with UAE food safety and hygiene standards (HACCP, Dubai Municipality / Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority requirements), including temperature control, allergen labeling, and traceability. Manage raw material ordering, stock levels, and supplier coordination to minimize wastage and avoid production shortfalls. Monitor equipment maintenance and kitchen hygiene (ovens, proofers, mixers, blast chillers) and report faults promptly. Coordinate with the culinary and operations teams on new menu development, seasonal items, and client-specific requests. Conduct regular audits of bakery production areas to ensure compliance with health, safety, and internal quality protocols. Prepare production reports, cost analyses, and wastage records for management review. Support large-scale event and banquet requirements, including off-site delivery coordination when required.
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCEDiploma or degree in Culinary Arts, Bakery & Pastry, Hospitality Management, or a related field. Minimum 5–7 years of progressive bakery/pastry experience, including at least 2–3 years in a managerial or supervisory role. Prior experience in a high-volume catering, hospitality, or contract catering environment is strongly preferred. UAE / GCC experience preferred; familiarity with local food safety regulations is required. Valid UAE Food Safety / HACCP certification (or willingness to obtain upon joining).
SKILLS & COMPETENCIESStrong technical knowledge of bread, pastry, and cake production at scale. Proven people management, scheduling, and team leadership skills. Solid understanding of food costing, portion control, and inventory management. Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple production lines and deadlines simultaneously. Strong communication skills in English; Arabic or Hindi/Urdu is an advantage given the multinational kitchen workforce. Ability to work under pressure during peak event and banquet periods, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends as required.
WORKING CONDITIONSThis role is based in a commercial kitchen/bakery production environment and may require travel between catering sites within the UAE. Shift flexibility is required to accommodate event schedules, including early starts, evenings, and weekends.