OCEAN - Head Baker

Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused voyages on oceans, rivers and lakes around the world. Designed for experienced travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person®.

Viking has more than 250 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers, #1 for Oceans and #1 for Expeditions by Condé Nast Traveler and voted at the top of its categories by Travel + Leisure. No other cruise line has ever received these same honors by both publications at the same time.
 

ROLE OVERVIEW

• Part of our Galley team on our Ocean vessels, the Head Baker  controls and maintains the timely production of bakery goods, ensuring that quality standards and procedures are in line with the Company’s Rules & Regulations and STAR Service Standards.
• The Head Baker reports to Executive Pastry Chef and Executive Chef. 

WHAT YOU WILL DO ON BOARD

• Must have shipboard or premium  hospitality experience with at least 1 year / 2 contracts in the same role; must have an outstanding understanding of European bakery practices; demonstrate excellent hands-on techniques and the ability to proactively exceed expectations.
• Regularly communicate with the Provisions Team to utilize highly perishable food items and check fresh produce chillers, to avoid shortages during the cruise.
• Request additional bakery goods for special functions, parties, special orders, etc.
• Minimize equipment loss/damage, and maintain immaculate cleanliness standards in relevant areas, by applying safe working policies and procedures, according to all Public Health Policies, and ensuring that all equipment is sanitized and returned accordingly, after each use.
• Ensure economical work practices and control the food production to minimize and avoid wastage; ensure that food preparations/storage are in line with all Public Health Policies and Company Regulations and enforce & maintain “clean as you go” work habits.
• Assist the Executive Pastry Chef to prepare additional working schedules (Embarkation Day, Special Functions, etc.) for bakery personnel; assist with monitoring the Bakery Staffs’ working hours.
• Ensure that all menus, recipes, methods and specifications are adhered to, and spot-check all venues serving baked goods on a daily basis to ensure that all bakery outlets & displays are in line with the quality & cleanliness of Viking’s Standards and all Public Health Policies.

WHY JOIN VIKING? 

Elevate Your Career 
Regardless of where you are on your career journey, Viking can help you in reaching new destinations with: 

• Paid training program in skills and approach to premium hospitality services 
• On-the-job coaching to help you advance rapidly  
• A lifelong network of hospitality professionals from many different countries 
• Internal transfer opportunities to River, Ocean and Expedition ships 

On board our ship 

• Lodging, meals, unlimited Wi-Fi, uniforms, and laundry are free of charge for all crew members 
• Crew cabins with only 2 berths (you will have one roommate). 
• Travel to/from the ship provided by Viking 
• Crew-only deck, dedicated recreational spaces and activities 
• Access to use the guest fitness center during certain hours 

Employee benefits 

• Referral program 
• Loyalty bonuses 
• Tax-free salary

ABOUT YOU

• You are required to have advanced professional baking skills including European/French techniques.
• A required minimum of eight years baking experience, including at least two years of experience as a Head Baker or similar position, within a premium brand restaurant environment; must have an outstanding understanding of European bakery practices; demonstrate excellent hands-on techniques and the ability to proactively exceed expectations.
• Fluent in English - must have excellent English communication skills to clearly interpret and orate documents, such as menus and recipes. The ability to speak additional languages is an advantage.
• Must have experience in leading multi-cultural teams; flexible, stress resistant, committed team player.
• Guest-focused, service-oriented, positive personality, professional appearance and impeccable hygiene standards are required with comprehensive knowledge of all public health and sanitation compliance, team builder with exceptional work ethic, motivational skills and coaching abilities.
• Must be at least twenty-one (21) years old, able to physically handle 50+ lbs. (30KGs) on a daily basis, and work a minimum of ten hours a day, seven days a week.

APPLICATION AND JOB RELEVANT INFORMATION
Our roles will be subject to our appearance standards (including in relation to visible tattoos) and employees are expected to project a professional image at all times. Visible tattoos are not permitted. Tattoos concealed with make-up, skin-colored sleeves or any covering other than the company uniform will still be considered visible for the purposes of our appearance standards. Exemptions to this may be considered on a case-by-case basis where appropriate. Tattoo removal may not result in successful employment and therefore is not encouraged and is the candidate’s personal decision. Furthermore, any offer of employment is subject to you passing all mandatory medical examinations as required by the company.  For further information, please contact our recruiting team.

DISCLAIMER
As part of any recruitment process, Viking collects and processes personal data relating to job applicants. We are committed to being transparent about how we collect and use that data and to meeting our data protection obligations. If you would like to find out more about how your information will be used, please view the privacy notice on our careers page.