Early-Morning Pastry Cook — Laminated Dough Expert

16 on Center; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance with employer contrib

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Short term disability

Accident insurance

Hospital coverage

401(k) with company match

Dining discounts and show tickets

Transit benefits

Job summary

16 On Center, Good Ambler bakery in Chicago, is seeking a Baker / Pastry Cook to produce laminated pastries, quick breads and other baked goods. This role requires a 4 am start and weekend availability, working independently while supporting the team to maintain quality.

Responsibilities include croissants, cookies, cakes, jams, and seasonal chocolate work, plus café service and general kitchen tasks. The team fosters growth and learning in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional pastry experience or completion of pastry school.
• Viennoiserie / laminated doughs preferred.
• Must have or be willing to obtain a food handler’s certification.
• Must be able to reliably work 4am start times, including weekends.
• Able to work efficiently while maintaining a clean and organized workspace.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality products.
• Communicates effectively, works well both independently and as part of a team, and is adaptable, open to feedback, and committed to learning and growth.
• Able to meet the physical demands of the role, including standing/walking for up to 10 hours, lifting up to 50 lbs, and performing repetitive tasks.
• Comfortable working in an environment with potential allergens, including peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, eggs, and dairy

Responsibilities

• Baking, finishing, and packaging croissants and breakfast pastries each morning for sale in the cafe and distribution to our wholesale partners
• Producing cookies, cakes, jams, custards, and other dessert components.
• Assisting with chocolate production and packaging during seasonal periods.
• Preparing and serving items from the café menu.
• Supporting general kitchen operations, including cleaning, dishwashing, trash removal, sweeping, mopping, and scrubbing.
• Collaborating with the team and assisting in other tasks as needed.

Skills

Pastry experience

Laminated doughs

Food handler cert

Punctuality

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Communication

Physical stamina

Allergen awareness

Job description

16 On Center, Good Ambler bakery in Chicago, is seeking a Baker / Pastry Cook to produce laminated pastries, quick breads and other baked goods. This role requires a 4 am start and weekend availability, working independently while supporting the team to maintain quality.

Responsibilities include croissants, cookies, cakes, jams, and seasonal chocolate work, plus café service and general kitchen tasks. The team fosters growth and learning in a fast-paced environment.