Full-Time Lead Baker

Full-Time Lead Baker - Niagara-on-the-Lake
Are you a passionate and experienced baker with an entrepreneurial spirit and a love for fresh, local ingredients? Do you dream of creating nostalgic, show-stopping pastries and cakes that make people say, “I have to come back for that”? We're looking for a talented Lead Baker to join our growing team—a true craftsperson who can balance following tried-and-true recipes with the freedom to innovate.
This is a full-time role at a well-loved Niagara destination, offering the opportunity to lead in a fast-paced environment while being part of a warm, homegrown team. Whether you're plating pies, prepping pastries, or building a custom cake, your attention to detail and creativity will shine.
At The Grove, we're rooted in community. We celebrate local farms and producers, and we're proud to offer homemade goodness that brings people together. Our on-site hometown bakery is known for its farm-fresh ingredients, signature pies, and mouthwatering baked goods that feel like a warm hug. We craft custom cakes and excellent local wholesale partnerships, and we need someone who can help us take that next step.
A Lead Baker who:
Has experience in a high-volume bakery or kitchen and can handle the heat—especially during peak seasons (June 1 - Sept 10 and major holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and Valentine's Day).
Is organized and detail-oriented , ensuring every item looks and tastes just right, especially when preparing deliveries to local businesses and restaurants.
Has strong baking fundamentals and can follow established recipes to maintain consistency and quality for our loyal customers.
Has a creative spark , excited to develop new seasonal treats, pastries, and custom cakes (experience with fondant and cake design is a big plus!).
Can take initiative , pitch in where needed, and lead a small team if required.
Is entrepreneurial and eager to grow with us as we expand into new opportunities and wholesale accounts.
Is comfortable working independently but also thrives in a team-focused, positive kitchen culture.
Is open to ongoing learning and excited about food trends, with a commitment to quality, community, and innovation.
Every 12 weeks, our Lead Baker gets a dedicated day to explore local or nearby markets, bakeries, and cafés for inspiration and fresh ideas. A small stipend is provided to support this delicious research—we want you to stay inspired and bring those ideas back to our kitchen.
Follow and respect our legacy recipes while maintaining consistency and top quality.
Create delicious new items aligned with our farm-to-table, community-first values.
Prepare and organize baked goods for delivery to partner restaurants and businesses.
Lead by example, help guide junior bakers, and ensure the kitchen runs efficiently.
Maintain a clean and food-safe workspace at all times.
Assist with the expansion of our custom cake offerings (especially fondant and finishing skills).
Help us grow by bringing energy, ideas, and leadership to a collaborative, heart-filled kitchen.
Minimum 2 years of baking experience in a similar setting (bakery, cafe, or kitchen).
Pastry or culinary education is a bonus, not a requirement.
Red Seal certification is an asset but not required.
Food handler certification required.
Experience with fondant , custom cakes , and advanced finishing techniques is a strong asset.
Fluent in English (spoken and written).
Financial support for ongoing training, leadership coaching, or personal development.
We love to celebrate wins—company events, shoutouts, and the occasional bakery pizza party.
Perks : On-site parking, store discount, and yes, occasional leftovers.
Full-time
Monday to Friday
Weekends as needed during holidays and peak seasons
Join our team as a Pastry Cook where your creativity will shine through your culinary creations!
Job Type: Full-time
On-site parking
Monday to Friday