Position Summary: The Bakery Lead oversees the daily operations of The Mill’s in-house bakery. This role is responsible for the production of high-quality baked goods, including pastries, breads, and seasonal offerings, while ensuring consistency, food safety, and operational efficiency. The Baker Lead manages inventory, coordinates with suppliers, maintains kitchen cleanliness standards, and contributes to menu development in collaborating with the Kitchen Manager.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead daily baking operations, ensuring all items are fresh, delicious, and beautifully presented.
• Assist with basic food preparation.
• Develop and refine recipes for pastries, breads, muffins, cookies, and seasonal specials.
• Manage inventory of baking ingredients and supplies; coordinate with vendors for timely ordering.
• Maintain a clear, organized, and food-safe kitchen environment.
• Supervise, train, and mentor junior baking staff.
• Collaborate with the Kitchen Manager on menu planning, cost control, and production innovation.
• Monitor production schedules to meet demand while minimizing waste.
• Uphold high standards of quality, consistency, and presentation across all baked goods.
• All other duties as assigned.

Preferred Talents

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a busy enforced environment.
• Familiarity with basic kitchen equipment and tools.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new procedures.
• Dependable and punctual with a strong work ethic.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbally.
• Strong knowledge of baking techniques, food safety, and kitchen operations.
• Creative flair for developing new recipes and seasonal offerings.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree in Culinary Arts or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of professional baking experience (café, bakery, or restaurant setting).
• Previous leadership and inventory management experience.
• Experience with gluten-free, vegan, or specialty baking preferred but not required.
• Valid Food Handlers permit.
• Strong knowledge of food and safety standards (e.g., ServSafe Certification or ability to obtain certification) required.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, reach with hands or arms, climb or balance, talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 50+ pounds occasionally.

Working Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee will be exposed to indoor conditions. This position will primarily operate in a commercial kitchen setting located at The Mill. The employee will regularly be exposed to heat, humidity, sharp tools, hot surfaces, cleaning chemicals, various kitchen equipment, and moving mechanical parts. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can increase to a loud volume. This position requires availability to work early mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed to support kitchen operations and staffing needs.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person