Lead Baker

Lead Baker

Under the direction of the Assistant Pastry Chef, the Lead Baker is responsible for leading, supporting, and training the baking team in the preparation and production of baked goods, desserts, and pastries in alignment with Pastry Department standards. This role ensures consistent quality control across all bakery menu items, monitors production output, and adjusts workflows based on demand. The Lead Baker is expected to communicate any changes in production to the Pastry Chef and be fully capable of stepping into any baking station to ensure timely completion of tasks. A strong understanding of sanitation protocols and the safe operation of all bakery equipment is essential to maintaining a safe and efficient work environment.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Oversees the preparation and production of a diverse range of baked goods, pastries, and cakes to ensure consistency and adherence to quality standards. Responsibilities include assisting in daily production, managing output volumes, overseeing recipe execution, and maintaining rigorous quality control throughout all stages of the baking process.

2. Possesses a strong knowledge of fundamental and advanced baking techniques, including the production of bread, cakes, dessert pastries, cookies, mousses, and fine chocolate products. Is well-versed in both standard and custom order baking, with experience using a wide range of commercial baking equipment. Must have the ability to multitask effectively, combined with excellent organizational and time management skills, ensures consistent quality and efficiency in all aspects of baking.

3. Reviews and validates each Baker's production sheet to ensure accuracy and alignment with daily production goals. Identifies and escalates any discrepancies or missing items as necessary. Conducts a thorough daily inventory of all essential ingredients required for production, including dry goods, frozen items, and dairy products, to ensure readiness and operational efficiency.

4. Is responsible for training bakery personnel, ensuring staff remain informed through clear and consistent daily pre shifts. Effectively communicates with both management and the baking team to address and fulfill any requests or concerns from guests or other departments.

5. Ensures all food items are properly stored and utilized in accordance with rotation standards, including the First In, First Out (FIFO) method. Is responsible for upholding food safety protocols by verifying expiration dates, clearly labeling and dating all items before storage, and ensuring team compliance. A consistent focus must be maintained on sanitation, safety, and food quality to meet established operational standards.

6. Provides comprehensive support to the Pastry team in executing production tasks for special projects, including high-profile catering functions and official casino-hosted events. Oversees the Serrano Buffet dessert station to ensure all items are professionally presented and maintained in a clean, organized manner, while offering assistance to other bakery-related venues as needed.

7. Reports any injuries, accidents, or unsafe working conditions to management upon identification. Ensures all team members follow established safety protocols in the bakery, including proper knife handling and storage.

8. Demonstrates the ability to accurately maintain essential operational records, including opening and closing procedure logs, sanitation documentation, individual production sheets, and team member break schedules, while ensuring compliance with established standards and organizational protocols.

9. Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the department.

Education, Experience and Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• A certificate or degree in Baking and Pastry Arts from an accredited institution is preferred.
• Minimum (2) years of professional experience in high-volume or production baking within a full-service bakery or food service establishment is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA)

• Must be able to read, write and communicate in the English language.
• Must be able to perform simple mathematical operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division).
• Must be able to have clear and effective communication with guests and team members.
• Must be able to provide friendly and efficient service to guests and team members, addressing their needs and resolving issues.
• Must be able to work under pressure by staying calm and efficient during busy period(s).
• Possess advanced skill level in handson training of team members.
• Effectively delegates responsibilities within the baking team, ensuring timely completion of tasks while upholding high standards of quality and consistency.
• Proficient in interpreting recipes, production schedules, diagrams, and logs to execute tasks accurately and efficiently.

Licenses, Certifications and Registrations

• At the discretion of the San Manuel Tribal Gaming Commission, you may be required to obtain and maintain a gaming license.
• Must obtain and maintain a current Food Handler's card.
• Must possess a valid ServSafe certification.
• No Driving Responsibilities: Role does not require a driver's license or insurance.

Physical Requirements/ Working Conditions Environment

• Primary work environment is in a climate-controlled commercial kitchen setting.
• Work requires travel to attend meetings, trade shows, and conferences.
• Incumbents may be required to work evening, weekend and holiday shifts.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.
• Strength sufficient to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects and/or move up to 40 pounds occasionally.
• Sedentary work: involves sitting some of the time. Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Physical activities that apply to the essential functions of the position are balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Hearing sufficient to hear conversational levels in person, via videoconference and over the telephone.
• Speech sufficient to make oneself heard and understood in person, in front of groups, in meetings, via videoconference and over the telephone.
• Visual acuity that meets the requirements of the position: The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; expansive reading and visual inspection of employees, visitors or facility.
• Mobility sufficient to safely move in an office environment, walk, stoop, bend and kneel, and enter, exit and operate a motor vehicle in the course of travel to promotional events, meetings, conferences, trade shows and San Manuel properties.
• Endurance sufficient to sit, walk and stand for extended periods, and maintain efficiency throughout the entire work shift and during extended work hours.
• The employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles including secondhand smoke.
• Must present a neat, clean, and well-groomed appearance in accordance with departmental policy.

Reasonable accommodation will be made in compliance with all applicable law.

As one of the largest private employers in the Inland Empire, San Manuel deeply cares about the future, growth and well-being of its employees. Join our team today!