Overnight Baker/ Prep Cook

MERA Corporation; New York (NY); On-site; USD 22,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

MERA Corporation is seeking an Overnight Baker / Prep Cook to produce breads, bagels, pastries, and other baked goods for multiple units. You will follow recipes, manage overnight production, and ensure products are ready for morning service with attention to safety and cleanliness.

The role requires measuring ingredients, operating bakery equipment, and coordinating with opening teams to finish prep on time while maintaining quality and par levels.

Qualifications

• Previous commercial baking and food preparation experience.
• Able to measure ingredients accurately and follow recipes.
• Knowledge of dough preparation, proofing, and baking methods.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and allergen handling.
• Ability to meet production deadlines and work independently.
• Airport security badge requirement awareness.

Responsibilities

• Review prep lists and organize work to meet morning service deadlines.
• Measure ingredients, follow recipes, batch sizes and portions.
• Mix, knead, shape, proof, and bake doughs and batters according to recipes.
• Prepare breads, bagels, pastries, and other baked products.
• Monitor proofing times, temperatures, and baking durations for quality and consistency.
• Operate ovens, mixers, scales, knives and other kitchen equipment safely.
• Label, date, store, and package products; maintain designated prep areas.
• Provide clear handoffs to opening teams and communicate shortages.

Skills

Baking

Food prep

Food safety

Time management

Sanitation

Education

High school diploma

Culinary coursework

Job description

MERA is a family-owned, multinational food and beverage company specializing in non-traditional venues, including airports and cruise ports. We bring together diverse restaurant concepts and teams to deliver welcoming guest experiences in fast-paced travel environments.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Overnight Baker / Prep Cook prepares breads, bagels, pastries, and other assigned baked products and completes overnight food preparation for MERA food and beverage units. This role follows approved recipes and production schedules to ensure assigned units have fresh products and properly prepared ingredients ready for morning service while maintaining food safety, quality, and cleanliness standards.

Working under the direction of the assigned chef or kitchen manager, the Overnight Baker / Prep Cook balances baking and food prep assignments across multiple units. The employee follows daily prep lists and production schedules, communicates shortages, and provides a clear handoff to the opening teams.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review baking and food prep lists with the assigned chef or kitchen manager; organize work to meet required quantities and morning service deadlines across assigned units.
• Measure and weigh ingredients accurately; follow approved recipes, batch sizes, and portion standards.
• Mix, knead, portion, shape, proof, and bake doughs and batters according to product specifications.
• Prepare breads, bagels, pastries, and other baked products as assigned; complete finishing, glazing, or filling tasks according to recipes.
• Monitor proofing times, oven temperatures, and baking times; check finished products for appearance, texture, doneness, and consistency.
• Operate ovens, mixers, proofers, scales, knives, and other assigned kitchen equipment safely after completing required training.
• Cool, label, date, store, and package products correctly; organize completed orders for the appropriate units.
• Complete assigned food prep for multiple units, including washing and cutting produce, portioning ingredients, preparing sauces or spreads, and assembling items according to approved recipes and training.
• Label, date, and store prepared foods correctly; maintain required temperatures and keep raw and ready-to-eat foods separated.
• Organize prepared ingredients and replenish designated prep areas to required par levels so opening teams can begin service on time.
• Maintain ingredient inventory, rotate stock, check expiration dates, and report shortages or quality concerns to the assigned leader.
• Record production quantities, waste, and other required information; help control waste through accurate preparation and storage.
• Follow food safety, sanitation, allergen handling, and cross-contact prevention procedures throughout production.
• Clean and sanitize worktables, utensils, baking pans, racks, equipment, and assigned floor areas; follow the overnight cleaning schedule.
• Keep work areas organized and report equipment problems, safety hazards, or maintenance needs promptly.
• Check assigned prep lists for completion and communicate finished quantities, storage locations, shortages, and pending tasks to the opening team before ending the shift.
• Follow uniform, attendance, timekeeping, and airport security requirements; support assigned units and complete other related duties as directed.

EDUCATION

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred; culinary or baking coursework is a plus.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous commercial baking and food preparation experience, with the ability to produce baked goods and prepare ingredients consistently from approved recipes.
• Ability to measure ingredients accurately, scale recipes, and follow baking production sheets and food preparation instructions.
• Working knowledge of dough preparation, proofing, baking methods, basic knife skills, ingredient portioning, and safe use of commercial bakery and kitchen equipment.
• Knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and allergen handling practices.
• Ability to organize tasks, meet production deadlines, and work independently while communicating with the team.
• Ability to obtain and maintain the required airport security badge and complete required security training.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in a high-volume bakery, restaurant, hotel, or food production operation, including preparing ingredients for service.
• Experience producing bagels, breads, and pastries and preparing produce, sauces, spreads, and portioned ingredients for multiple service locations.
• Previous overnight baking or prep cook experience and familiarity with completing production and prep assignments before morning service.
• Food safety training or certification and experience using production records and inventory rotation procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work involves prolonged standing and walking, bending, reaching, repetitive hand movements, and working near hot equipment and in refrigerated storage areas.
• Ability to handle ingredient containers, baking trays, food prep containers, and racks and move job-related supplies safely using appropriate equipment or assistance.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

SCHEDULE REQUIREMENTS

Candidates must be available to work overnight shifts, including weekends and holidays, based on baking and food prep needs. The schedule may extend into early morning hours to ensure assigned units are prepared for service.