We are seeking Bakers to join our tight-knit team. This role is ideal for someone who loves working with their hands, takes pride in consistency and quality, and enjoys being part of a collaborative kitchen environment. The Assistant Baker will support daily production of our baked goods, assist with prep and organization, help maintain a clean, efficient workspace, and help deliver baked goods to our four Madison locations in our bakery van!
We're currently hiring for our AM Production Team. These shifts typically run from midnight to 8:00 AM, though we do have flexibility with start and end times.
Our AM crew is the team that takes everything to the finish line - finishing the bakes, frying all the donuts, and making sure everything gets frosted and glazed. They ensure everything is packed up perfectly and delivered to our four cafe locations before the doors open, so our guests are greeted with fresh bakery every single day.
As part of the role, team members rotate making deliveries in our company bakery van, so a valid driver's license is required (don't worry—we provide the insurance).
About us:
We are a well-established, woman owned, Madison cafe that specializes in all things brunch, and are open 7 days per week. We take great pride in our business and the relationships we have built with our customers and staff over the years. Our customers have come to expect speedy, consistent, and delicious products from us, and that is what we always aim to deliver. Our staff is a tight knit family, who treats each other with respect and kindness. We have NO tolerance for bullying or any form of abuse.
Ancora Mission Statement
“Our mission is to build welcoming & inclusive cafes that improve the lives of our team members, enrich our communities, and turn our guests into superfans.”
Benefits
- Health, Dental, and Vision insurance available (60% employer paid insurance for the individual)
- Hours worked New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day receive 1.5x pay.
- Free meal + drinks during shift
- 50% off all food and drink when not on shift
- 30% off merchandise and alcohol
- Free 1lb of beans per month
- 4% 401k Match available to employees after one year of employment and 1000 hours worked.
- Annual performance review with potential for a pay raise
- All team members accrue 0.02 hours of PTO for every hour clocked in. Unused PTO is paid out.
- Example: If you work exactly 40 hours per week for an entire calendar year, you will have accrued 40 hours of PTO
Compensation
- Base Pay: $16 to $19/hr (DOE) + Tips: Additional $3 to $4+/hr on average
- Training Pay: Base Pay | Applies during the training period and all team meetings
- Guaranteed Wage: $21/hr | If your combined base pay + tips fall below $21/hr, Ancora will make up the difference
Baker Responsibilities
- Production & Execution
- Execute assigned bake lists accurately and on schedule
- Complete prep, proofing, baking, and finishing tasks independently
- Adjust work pace and task order to meet production timelines
- Produce consistent quality regardless of volume or time constraints
- Technical Accuracy
- Follow recipes, weights, temperatures, and procedures exactly as written
- Scale, portion, and finish products accurately
- Operate bakery equipment (mixers, ovens, proofers, sheeters) safely and correctly
- Identify and report dough or bake issues affecting quality or yield
- Quality, Food Safety & Sanitation
- Ensure all products meet established visual, size, and quality standards
- Remove substandard products from service and notify leadership
- Follow allergen, labeling, storage, and rotation protocols
- Maintain clean, organized, inspection-ready workstations
- Execute assigned cleaning, opening, and closing checklists
- Workflow & Shift Accountability
- Arrive prepared and ready to begin production on time
- Follow daily production timelines and task sequencing
- Communicate product status, shortages, or delays to leadership
- Complete clear shift handoffs, including product counts and prep status
- Safely transport baked goods to Madison-area cafes using our company van
Required Skills
- Must be able to lift at least 40 pounds at a time on a regular basis
- Ability to work on your feet for eight hours a day
- 6 months or more experience working in a kitchen or bakery setting
- High level of professionalism and respect for teammates and customers
- Ability to accurately read and execute written recipes, and scale recipes up or down as needed
- Proper knowledge of food safety and cleanliness standards
- Possess excellent organizational and verbal communication skills
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
- Ability to work early morning shifts
- Reliable vehicle, valid driver's license, insurance, and safe driving record
We appreciate your interest and look forward to hearing from you! To apply, please reach out to [email protected].
Pay: $21.00 - $23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Food provided
- Health insurance
- Opportunities for advancement
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Store discount
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
