Bagel Maker

Bagels by Kneady | Rock & Reilly's USC

Los Angeles • USC Village

We're Looking for a Baker, Not Just Someone Who Makes Bagels.

At Bagels by Kneady , we're obsessed with doing things the right way.

Every bagel is naturally fermented, hand-shaped, kettle-boiled in malt water, and baked directly on a stone deck. We don't cut corners, and we're constantly refining our process to make the best bagels in Los Angeles.

We're looking for an experienced artisan baker who shares that mindset.

If you're the type of baker who watches dough temperature, understands fermentation, appreciates naturally leavened dough, and takes pride in every batch that leaves the oven, we'd love to meet you.

 

What You'll Do Lead Daily Production

• Mix and develop naturally fermented dough using commercial spiral mixers
• Monitor dough temperature, hydration, and fermentation throughout production
• Divide, scale, and hand-shape bagels to exact specifications
• Manage proofing and cold fermentation schedules
• Kettle-boil bagels using traditional malt-water methods
• Bake on stone deck ovens while maintaining consistency in color, crust, texture, and blistering

 

Maintain Exceptional Quality

• Produce bagels that meet our standards every single day
• Understand how temperature, humidity, and fermentation affect finished product
• Make thoughtful production adjustments—not simply follow recipes
• Help improve systems and recipes through continuous refinement

 

Help Build the Program

We're still growing.

This role isn't just about executing someone else's recipes. We want someone excited to contribute ideas, solve problems, and help elevate the program.

You'll work alongside ownership to improve:

• Production efficiency
• Dough development
• Fermentation schedules
• New bagel flavors
• Seasonal specials
• Cream cheese programs
• Overall product quality

If you've ever wanted to help build something instead of simply maintaining it, this is that opportunity.

 

Team Leadership

• Train and mentor newer bakers
• Set the standard for organization and professionalism
• Help maintain a positive, collaborative kitchen culture
• Communicate production needs with management

 

Cleanliness & Food Safety

• Maintain an immaculate bakery throughout the shift
• Follow all health department and food safety standards
• Properly clean and maintain mixers, ovens, proofing equipment, and workstations

 

What We're Looking For Required Experience

• 3+ years in artisan bread or bagel production
• Strong understanding of fermentation and dough development
• Experience working with naturally leavened or sourdough doughs preferred
• Experience with deck ovens and commercial bakery equipment
• Comfortable working independently with minimal supervision

 

You Might Be a Great Fit If You...

• Care deeply about craftsmanship
• Notice the little details others miss
• Believe consistency is everything
• Enjoy learning and experimenting
• Like working with your hands
• Take pride in producing beautiful food
• Want your work to matter

 

Schedule

• Early morning production shifts
• Typical start time between 2:00 AM – 4:00 AM
• Weekend availability required
• Full-time

 

Physical Requirements

• Lift up to 50 pounds
• Stand for extended periods
• Work comfortably around ovens and boiling kettles
• Maintain a fast, organized pace throughout production

 

Qualifications

Preferred (but not required):

• Experience producing New York-style bagels
• Sourdough fermentation experience
• Baker's percentage knowledge
• ServSafe Manager Certification
• California Food Handler Card

 

Why Bagels by Kneady?

You'll be joining a chef-driven company with a reputation for quality.

Rock & Reilly's USC has earned recognition for award-winning burgers, nationally recognized chicken sandwiches, and innovative food programs. Bagels by Kneady is our newest concept, built with the same commitment to craftsmanship and hospitality.

We believe great food starts with great people, and we're building a team that values creativity, consistency, and continuous improvement.

We Offer

• Competitive pay based on experience
• Performance-based growth opportunities
• Creative input on new products and menu development
• Stable, year-round employment
• Employee meals and dining discounts
• Paid training
• Opportunity to grow into a Lead Baker or Production Manager role