Bakers Assistant

Quest Food Management Services; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Quest Food Management Services is seeking a Baker to produce high-quality baked goods in a retail setting. You will prepare doughs, batters, and fillings, manage the baking process from start to finish, and ensure strict adherence to safety standards.

The role requires careful attention to detail, the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and the capability to stand for long periods while delivering consistent, delicious products to customers.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Proven baking or food preparation experience in a retail or commercial setting.
• Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.
• Formal training or certification in baking or culinary arts preferred.
• Strong communication and customer service skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and measure ingredients according to established recipes.
• Operate baking equipment safely and efficiently.
• Monitor baking times and temperatures to ensure quality.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the baking area.
• Inspect finished products for quality, appearance, and taste.
• Manage inventory of baking supplies and communicate needs.
• Collaborate with team to meet production schedules and customer demands.
• Provide knowledgeable service about baked goods and ingredients.

Skills

Bakery experience

Food safety

Knife handling

Attention to detail

Customer service

Education

High school diploma

Job description

About Company

For over 40 years, Quest Food Management Services has been a leading food service provider serving K-12 schools, higher education institutions, corporate dining programs, and event venues. Quest is consistently ranked among the top food service management companies in the United States for its commitment to fresh, scratch made menus, local sourcing, and intensely personal service. At the heart of our success is our “Quest Ready” culture, built on integrity, responsiveness, accountability, respect, and excellence.

About Company

For over 40 years, Quest Food Management Services has been a leading food service provider serving K-12 schools, higher education institutions, corporate dining programs, and event venues. Quest is consistently ranked among the top food service management companies in the United States for its commitment to fresh, scratch made menus, local sourcing, and intensely personal service. At the heart of our success is our “Quest Ready” culture, built on integrity, responsiveness, accountability, respect, and excellence.

Being Quest Ready means serving with purpose and care, creating experiences that are nourishing, welcoming, and reliable. This mindset empowers our teams to build lasting relationships and continually raise the standard for great hospitality in every community we serve.

About The Role

As a Baker in the retail trade industry, you will be responsible for producing high-quality baked goods that meet both company standards and customer expectations. Your role involves preparing doughs, batters, and fillings using precise recipes and techniques to ensure consistency and excellence in every product. You will manage the baking process from start to finish, including mixing, shaping, baking, and decorating, while maintaining strict adherence to food safety and hygiene standards. This position requires a keen eye for detail and the ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, often involving repetitive motions and standing for extended periods. Ultimately, your work will contribute to creating a welcoming and satisfying experience for customers, supporting the overall success of the retail establishment.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Proven experience in baking or food preparation within a retail or commercial setting.
• Basic knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards.
• Ability to handle knives and other kitchen tools safely.
• Physical capability to stand for long periods and perform repetitive motions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Formal training or certification in baking or culinary arts.
• Experience with recipe development and fine manipulation techniques.
• Familiarity with balancing multiple tasks in a high-volume environment.
• Strong communication skills to provide knowledge-based service to customers.
• Previous experience working in a retail trade environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and measure ingredients accurately according to established recipes and guidelines.
• Operate baking equipment such as ovens, mixers, and proofers safely and efficiently.
• Monitor baking times and temperatures to ensure products are baked to perfection.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of the baking area, adhering to food safety regulations.
• Inspect finished products for quality, appearance, and taste, making adjustments as necessary.
• Manage inventory of baking supplies and communicate needs to management.
• Collaborate with team members to meet production schedules and customer demands.
• Provide knowledgeable service by answering customer questions about baked goods and ingredients.

Skills

The required skills such as food preparation, knife handling, and food quality are essential for daily tasks like measuring ingredients, shaping dough, and ensuring the final products meet quality standards. Repetitive motions and standing for long periods are common in the baking process, requiring physical endurance and attention to detail. Balancing multiple tasks simultaneously is crucial to maintain workflow efficiency and meet production deadlines. Providing knowledge-based service involves communicating effectively with customers about product ingredients and baking processes, enhancing their experience. Fine manipulation skills are used in decorating and finishing baked goods, ensuring an appealing presentation that attracts customers.