Small Batch Coffee is looking for an experienced Lead Baker to help oversee daily production in our growing from scratch bakery in East Meadow.
This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can step into a working kitchen, organize production, execute recipes consistently, and maintain high standards for quality and cleanliness. We are a small, fast-paced operation, so we need someone who is comfortable taking ownership while also working collaboratively within the owners’ creative direction.
What you’ll be responsible for:
- Leading and organizing daily bakery production
- Producing pastries, cookies, muffins, cakes, breads, and seasonal items from scratch
- Preparing and working confidently with laminated doughs
- Maintaining consistency in taste, appearance, portioning, and yield
- Scaling recipes accurately for larger production quantities
- Managing multiple recipes, prep lists, and deadlines at once
- Setting up clear mise en place and keeping production organized
- Monitoring ingredient usage, waste, and food costs
- Identifying and correcting production issues before products are served
- Adjusting production when equipment problems or unexpected situations arise
- Maintaining a clean, sanitary, and inspection-ready kitchen
- Establishing cleaning routines for workstations, equipment, storage areas, floors, drains, and hard-to-reach spaces
- Properly labeling, dating, rotating, and storing ingredients
- Helping train and guide other bakery team members
- Collaborating on seasonal pastries and new menu ideas while protecting consistency and cost
The right candidate will have:
- Professional bakery or pastry kitchen experience
- Strong experience with laminated doughs, including items such as croissants, danishes, or similar pastries
- A solid understanding of scratch baking techniques
- Experience planning and executing a full production day
- Strong food safety, sanitation, and kitchen-cleanliness habits
- The ability to work efficiently without becoming disorganized
- Confidence troubleshooting recipes and production problems
- Strong attention to detail and consistency
- The ability to take direction without ego
- A calm, solutions-focused approach during busy shifts
- Reliable attendance and strong communication skills
Culinary school is welcome but not required. Demonstrated experience, organization, leadership, and product quality matter most to us.
This is a good opportunity for someone who wants to take ownership of a bakery kitchen, contribute ideas, and help build something special without working in a stiff corporate environment.
Pay: $25.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
