Lead Baker - The Mill Coffee & Tea

About the Role: The Lead Baker is responsible for supervising and executing daily baking and production operations at The Mill Coffee & Tea within Eppley Airfield. This role ensures product freshness, food safety, consistency, and adherence to The Mill Coffee & Tea, Plum Market, and airport standards. The Lead Baker oversees baking production, inventory and cost control, workflow optimization, equipment performance, and team training in a fast-paced, high-volume airport environment.

What You Will Do: Oversee and execute daily scratch-baking and food preparation to ensure consistency, high visual standards, and rapid throughput during airport guest rushes. Develop and maintain systems to uphold product freshness, availability, and seamless product transition through peak flight banks. Conduct regular quality checks of taste, texture, and presentation to maintain The Mill's culinary standards. Manage baking and packaging supply inventory and maintain appropriate par levels based on airport logistical constraints. Minimize waste, monitor production yields, and control ingredient costs to support profitability targets. Maintain accurate recipe sheets, ingredient logs, and master production lists. Create clear, repeatable procedures for daily station setup, baking schedules, and closing checklists to ensure consistency across shifts. Enforce strict adherence to food safety protocols, hygiene standards, and applicable local and federal health regulations. Maintain a clean, organized, and compliant baking environment. Monitor bakery equipment, including ovens, proofers, and mixers, for performance and safety, coordinating maintenance or repairs as needed. Coordinate closely with Front-of-House management and staff to ensure seamless service, clear communication, and a unified guest experience. Train incoming staff and cross-train Team Members on proper baking execution, safe food handling, and product rotation. Represent The Mill + Plum Market values and service standards to Team Members, guests, vendors, and airport partners. What You Will Bring3 to 5 years experience in high-volume baking, dough handling, and production management. Exceptional organization and time management skills, with the ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage complex production schedules under strict time constraints. Strong understanding of food safety laws, sanitation procedures, and culinary compliance requirements. Proactive, self-directed approach to identifying kitchen issues, managing par levels, and implementing practical solutions. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume airport environment. Ability to work a flexible schedule, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays, as operational needs require. Must be able to pass a background check and obtain required airport badging/security clearances. Comfortable standing for extended periods and performing physical tasks associated with baking and kitchen operations. ServSafe or equivalent certification preferred. Bilingual communication is a plus.