Pastrycook

The Crystal Tearooms and Bakery in Taihape is seeking a hardworking Pastrycook to join our team in preparing high-quality baked goods for our customers, while ensuring compliance with food safety and health & safety regulations.

This is a full-time, permanent position, with a guaranteed minimum of 30 hours per week, and up to 40 hours, rostered between 4:00 am and 3:00 pm, Monday to Saturday. Weekend and public holiday work (excluding Christmas Day and New Year’s Day) may be required during busy periods to meet business demands.

Due to the nature of our operations, the successful candidate must be able to work independently and unsupervised, especially during early morning shifts. We are looking for someone with solid, recent hands-on experience as a baker assistant, baker/pastrycook in a bakery or similar environment, who is confident in producing pastries and light bread items.

Key Responsibilities:

• Opening or closing the bakery, including preparation of the work area and securing premises
• Inspecting equipment and work areas to ensure cleanliness and compliance with food safety and occupational health & safety requirements
• Assessing ingredient quality and accurately weighing materials for consistent results
• Mixing, kneading, maturing, and shaping doughs and batters for pastries, cakes, tarts, cookies, and a limited selection of buns and breads
• Preparing sweet and savoury fillings such as custards, creams, fruit compotes, and other café-style offerings
• Operating commercial bakery equipment including mixers, sheeters, moulders, and ovens
• Monitoring baking and storage temperatures and checking product appearance for quality control
• Glazing, icing, and decorating products to presentation standards
• Coordinating daily baking schedules to ensure timely production and product availability
• Cleaning and maintaining all tools, trays, tins, and baking equipment in line with hygiene protocols

About the Role:

• Pay rate: $25 – $35.00 per hour, depending on skill level and experience
• Location: Taihape, Wanganui
• Hours: Rostered shifts across 6 days, including weekends and selected public holidays

What We’re Looking For:

• Preferably three years of relevant work experience, however, we will also consider candidates with at least two years of relevant experience, or
• a New Zealand Level 4 qualification in baking or patisserie
• Ability to work early mornings and under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• High standards of hygiene and attention to detail
• Must be able to pass a drug test and have a clean criminal record
• Applicants must hold New Zealand residency or a valid New Zealand work visa

If you are interested in this role, please send your CV and cover letter.