Lead Baker

Khepri Kitchen; Mount Prospect (IL); On-site; USD 35,817 - 39,950; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Training & development

Employee discounts

Job summary

Khepri Kitchen in Mount Prospect, IL invites an experienced Lead Baker to oversee our scratch bakery program and help shape seasonal menus. This hands-on leadership role includes daily production, mentoring one baker, and collaboration with the culinary team on menu development and events.

We seek a creative, organized baker who thrives in a fast-paced kitchen, commits to quality, teamwork, and ongoing learning.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional baking experience.
• Leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of bread, pastries, desserts, laminated doughs, and seasonal baking.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Creative mindset with a passion for recipe development- unique flavor pairings + offerings.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment.
• Weekend availability required.

Responsibilities

• Lead all daily bakery production in a scratch kitchen.
• Maintain consistent quality, presentation, and production standards.
• Collaborate with ownership and the culinary team on seasonal menu development.
• Develop and test new baked goods, pastries, desserts, and specialty menu items.
• Execute daily prep schedules and production planning.
• Oversee catering bakery production and custom orders.
• Supervise, train, and mentor one baker while creating a positive team culture.
• Manage bakery inventory, ordering, and ingredient organization.
• Monitor food costs, minimize waste, and maintain efficient production.
• Ensure all food safety and sanitation standards are consistently followed.
• Work closely with front-of-house to ensure product availability and communication.
• Assist with special events, holiday offerings, and menu launches.

Skills

Baking expertise

Leadership

Team mentorship

Time management

Job description

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Employee discounts

Lead Baker

Khepri Kitchen | Mount Prospect, IL — Full-Time | Scratch Kitchen | Leadership Opportunity

Khepri is seeking an experienced, passionate Lead Baker to oversee our bakery program and help shape the future of our seasonal menu. This is a hands‑on leadership position for someone who loves creating from scratch, mentoring others, and bringing fresh ideas to the table.

You’ll lead daily bakery production, collaborate on menu development, oversee one baker, and play an important role in catering and special events. We’re looking for someone who takes pride in quality, consistency, creativity, and teamwork.

Compensation

90-Day Probationary Period

• Starting at $26-29/hour (based on experience)
• Full-time position
• Performance review after 90 days

After Successful Completion

• Performance reviews + potential pay increase + transition to a full-time salaried position based on performance and experience
• Growth opportunities within the company

Responsibilities

• Lead all daily bakery production in a scratch kitchen
• Maintain consistent quality, presentation, and production standards
• Collaborate with ownership and the culinary team on seasonal menu development
• Develop and test new baked goods, pastries, desserts, and specialty menu items
• Execute daily prep schedules and production planning
• Oversee catering bakery production and custom orders
• Supervise, train, and mentor one baker while creating a positive team culture
• Manage bakery inventory, ordering, and ingredient organization
• Monitor food costs, minimize waste, and maintain efficient production
• Ensure all food safety and sanitation standards are consistently followed
• Work closely with front-of-house to ensure product availability and communication
• Assist with special events, holiday offerings, and menu launches

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional baking experience
• Leadership or supervisory experience preferred
• Strong understanding of bread, pastries, desserts, laminated doughs, and seasonal baking
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Creative mindset with a passion for recipe development- unique flavor pairings + offerings
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced environment
• Weekend availability required

What We’re Looking For

• Passionate about scratch baking and quality ingredients
• Excited to collaborate and contribute creative ideas
• A supportive leader who enjoys mentoring others
• Detail‑oriented and highly organized
• Reliable, self‑motivated, and takes ownership of their work
• Committed to continuous learning and helping our bakery evolve

If you’re ready to help build an exceptional bakery program while leading a small team in a collaborative, community‑focused kitchen, we’d love to meet you.