Lead Baker

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Baker to join our team at Whole Foods Market. As a Lead Baker, you will be responsible for leading a team of bakers in the production of high-quality bread and bakery products.

• Mix, divide, shape, proof, and bake bread and other bakery products to approved Whole Foods Market specifications.
• Maintain accurate mix times, temp logs, and production records.
• Develop, adjust, and communicate daily production schedules with other bakers and team members.
• Ensure consistency of daily production in terms of quantity and quality of finished products.
• Routinely assess production outcomes to ensure Enterprise scratch bread program quality is maintained.
• Prepare, package, weigh, and price products for sale.
• Monitor product quality and freshness and ensure proper product rotation.
• Model and deliver outstanding customer service.
• Mentor, coach, and train all other bakers on proper execution of relevant bread and bakery programs to maintain consistency and quality standards.
• Arrive to work station on time, appropriately groomed, dressed, and ready to work; work all scheduled shifts and attend required trainings and meetings.
• Provide excellent customer service, address needs of customers in a timely and effective manner, and model suggestive selling techniques; answer phones and pages promptly and courteously.
• Maximize sales potential through effective and proper procedures for prepping, storing, rotating, stocking, and merchandising product.
• Follow and comply, or ensure compliance, with established procedures, including Weights and Measures, health and sanitation, and safe work practices.
• Maintain, or ensure maintenance of, a clean and sanitary working and shopping environment; maintain equipment in accordance with WFM cleanliness and safety standards.
• Perform opening, mid, and closing duties as assigned; ensure accuracy of signs and pricing.
• Immediately report safety hazards and violations.
• Perform other duties as assigned by store, regional, or national leadership.
• Utilize proper production tools and reporting to maximize sales and reduce shrink.
• Support in training and onboarding bakers within home store and other locations.

• Thorough product, production, and equipment knowledge for all bakery production items, especially scratch bread.
• High energy, enthusiastic, and displays an affinity for WFM products, core values, and company philosophy.
• Ability to follow a production schedule and prioritize tasks.
• Ability to follow a recipe.
• Ability to identify and troubleshoot bread production issues and provide appropriate solutions.
• Ability to visually examine products and quality for freshness.
• Basic math skills for recipe conversions and modifications.
• Strong to excellent communication skills and willingness to work as part of a team.
• Ability to deliver information in a clear and respectful manner to fellow Team Members, customers, and vendors.
• Ability to meet customer service expectations and standards in all interactions with customers, vendors, and Team Members.
• Ability to follow directions and procedures; effective time management and organization skills.
• Passion for natural foods and the mission of Whole Foods Market.
• Strong work ethic and ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a sense of urgency.
• Understanding of and compliance with WFM quality goals.
• Basic Microsoft Excel skills.

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• In an 8-hour work day: standing/walking 6-8 hours.
• Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing, and pulling.
• Work requires the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching.
• Exposure to FDA-approved cleaning chemicals.
• Exposure to temperatures: 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Ability to work in wet and dry conditions.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Ability to use tools and equipment, including knives, box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery.
• May require use of ladders.