About Company
Food Lover’s Market is a leading South African retailer renowned for its vibrant, fresh-food shopping experience. Established with a passion for quality and an unwavering commitment to bringing the best of local and international produce to its customers, Food Lover’s Market has grown into a beloved household name. In Upington, we pride ourselves on being a cornerstone of the community, offering a wide array of fresh fruits, vegetables, artisanal baked goods, quality meats, and gourmet deli items. Our bakery is the heart of our store, where the aroma of freshly baked bread and pastries greets our customers every morning. Joining our team means becoming part of a family dedicated to excellence, innovation, and delighting our customers with every product we offer. We believe in fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment where every team member can thrive and contribute to our shared success. We are committed to sourcing local, reducing waste, and providing our customers with an unparalleled shopping experience that celebrates fresh, wholesome food.
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Job Description
Are you an early bird with a passion for baking and an eye for detail? Food Lover’s Market Upington is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Baker Assistant to join our bustling morning shift team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone eager to start their day early, contributing to the creation of delightful baked goods that bring joy to our customers. As a Baker Assistant, you will be an integral part of our bakery operations, working alongside our Head Baker and other team members to prepare, bake, and present a wide variety of artisanal breads, pastries, cakes, and other delicious treats. Your day will begin before the sun rises, ensuring our display cases are stocked with fresh, warm products as soon as our doors open. This role requires a high degree of precision, a commitment to hygiene, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. You’ll assist with everything from measuring ingredients and mixing dough to operating ovens and decorating finished products. Beyond the baking, you’ll also play a crucial role in maintaining a clean and organized workspace, adhering strictly to food safety standards, and occasionally assisting customers with inquiries regarding our bakery items. If you’re a hands-on individual who loves the smell of fresh bread and wants to grow their skills in a vibrant retail environment, we encourage you to apply. This position offers a chance to learn from experienced bakers, develop your craft, and be part of a team that takes pride in delivering exceptional quality to the Upington community. We value team players who are eager to learn, contribute positively to our team culture, and help us maintain our reputation for fresh, high-quality bakery products.
Key Responsibilities
- Arrive punctually for the morning shift, ready to begin preparations before store opening.
- Assist the Head Baker in preparing ingredients, mixing doughs, batters, and fillings for various baked goods.
- Operate bakery equipment safely and efficiently, including mixers, ovens, proofers, and fryers.
- Bake a diverse range of products such as breads, rolls, pastries, pies, cakes, and cookies according to established recipes and quality standards.
- Monitor baking processes to ensure products are perfectly golden brown and cooked through.
- Assist with the cooling, glazing, decorating, and packaging of finished bakery items.
- Ensure all baked goods are beautifully presented and promptly stocked in display cases.
- Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary work environment, including washing utensils, cleaning workstations, and sanitizing equipment.
- Adhere strictly to all food safety, hygiene, and health & safety regulations.
- Assist with inventory management, including receiving deliveries, stocking supplies, and tracking ingredient usage.
- Occasionally assist customers with product selection and answer basic inquiries in a friendly and professional manner.
Required Skills
- Basic understanding of baking principles and kitchen operations.
- Ability to follow recipes accurately and measure ingredients precisely.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to producing high-quality products.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills, particularly for early morning starts.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Physical stamina to stand for long periods, lift heavy bags of ingredients (up to 25kg), and work in a warm environment.
- Reliable and punctual, with a strong work ethic.
- Commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene.
Preferred Qualifications
- Previous experience (6+ months) working in a bakery, kitchen, or food production environment.
- A relevant culinary certificate or baking qualification.
- Knowledge of different types of doughs, leavening agents, and baking techniques.
- Familiarity with food safety regulations (HACCP or similar).
- Customer service experience.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive monthly salary.
- Opportunities for career growth and professional development within Food Lover's Market.
- Staff discount on in-store purchases.
- A dynamic and supportive team environment.
- The satisfaction of creating delicious products for the community.
- Comprehensive training provided on bakery operations and food safety.
How to Apply
If you’re passionate about fresh food and eager to kickstart your career in a vibrant bakery setting, we want to hear from you! Please click on the application link below to submit your detailed CV and a cover letter outlining your interest in this role and relevant experience. We look forward to reviewing your application and potentially welcoming you to our Food Lover’s Market family.
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