Baker - West Loop

Levain Bakery; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 30,307 - 34,440; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Vision, Dental Insurance

Employer-funded Healthcare Reimbursement Account

Commuter benefits

401(k) with 3.5% company match

Job summary

Levain Bakery is looking for a dedicated Baker to join our team in Chicago. This role focuses on maintaining high-quality baking standards while ensuring a collaborative and supportive team environment. Ideal candidates should have at least 1-2 years of baking experience, strong communication skills, and open availability.

The position offers a competitive hourly wage of $22-25, along with health, vision, and dental insurance, among other benefits, fostering an inclusive workplace for all employees.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1-2 years of baking experience.
• Open availability: mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to lift/push 50 pounds.
• Stand/walk for an 8-hour shift with break.

Responsibilities

• Lead with curiosity and compassion to connect with coworkers.
• Bake bread, cakes, muffins, and cookies per standards.
• Consistently adhere to established protocols.
• Interact with customers when necessary.

Skills

Strong communication & interpersonal skills

Detail-oriented

Adaptability and flexibility

Problem-solving instincts

Education

Valid DOH certification

Tools

Computer skills (Email, Microsoft Office)

Job description

The Role: Baker

Bakers bring their unique skillset to the bakeries and maintain the high quality and consistency of our products, ensuring that every item meets our standards of excellence. The ideal Baker candidate has in‑depth baking knowledge, strong problem‑solving instincts, and a passion for baking accurate recipes and following protocol.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong communication & interpersonal skills; team‑oriented with a positive, empathy‑forward attitude
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and care; adaptable, flexible, and patient
• Must be reliable, responsible, and punctual
• Be open to feedback and committed to continuous improvement
• Ability to continuously motivate and inspire team members and set a positive example for the team
• Ability to remain calm under pressure in a fast‑paced environment when troubleshooting issues: be consistent, patient, and even‑keeled
• Detail‑oriented: the highest standards for accurately following recipes
• Embody and promote the values and standards of Levain Bakery

Job Responsibilities

• Team Collaboration
  • Lead with curiosity and compassion by showing care for your co‑workers and build meaningful connections that broaden your perspective
  • Display a strong sense of teamwork: work collaboratively with team members to ensure smooth store operations
  • Facilitate open, clear, and timely communication with your team members and management
  • Stay informed about new products, procedures, and promotions
• Baking & Quality Control
  • Bake bread, cakes, muffins, cookies, and other baked goods according to Levain Bakery’s recipes and standards
  • Measure, mix, weigh, shape, and prepare various products, ensuring proper consistency and following specific techniques and guidelines
  • Monitor baking times and temperatures to maintain product quality and consistency
  • Manage daily pars to ensure all baked goods meet quality standards and customer demands
  • Follow and comply with established procedures, including weights and measures, health and sanitation, and safe work practices
  • Spot check finished products: taste, smell, feel, and assess overall visual consistency
• Operations
  • Consistently adhere to established protocols and maintain the highest standards of excellence to ensure all baked goods meet Levain Bakery’s quality standards
  • Arrive to station on time, in uniform, and ready to work
  • Ensure baking ingredients are appropriately stocked using FIFO (first in, first out) processes
  • Occasionally interact with customers, answering questions about our baked goods

Requirements

• Minimum 1‑2 years of baking experience
• Open availability: mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to lift/push 50 pounds
• Stand/walk for an 8‑hour shift (excluding a ½‑hour break); some locations require walking up and down stairs
• Read and communicate in English, both verbally and in writing
• Utilize basic computer skills (e.g., Email, Microsoft Office)
• Must have valid DOH certification & additional regional required food handlers’ certifications

Compensation & Benefits

• $22‑25/hour
• Health, Vision, Dental Insurance
• Employer‑funded Healthcare Reimbursement Account
• Additional supplemental benefits: commuter benefits, employee assistance program, bike‑share reimbursement
• 14 weeks fully paid parental leave
• One week of paid time off
• 401(k) with 3.5% company match

We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all employees feel valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.