Lead Baker - Now Hiring

Our Story
At Tandem Coffee Roasters, we believe in the power of great coffee, exceptional baked goods, and fostering a community vibe that keeps people coming back. Since opening in 2012 in Portland, Maine, we’ve grown into a community hub for locals and visitors alike. Not just a coffee shop, we’re a James Beard-nominated bakery that’s been featured in Bon Appétit, praised as one of America’s best coffee spots.
We’re a team of passionate, creative folks who care about quality, kindness, and a lot of humor. Join us in shaping what’s next at our bakery!
We’re looking for the right person for the role and are excited to consider applicants from across the country who may be interested in relocating to Portland, ME for this role.
Who You Are
As the Lead Baker, you are responsible for contributing as a skilled and enthusiastic member of our baking team, offering support to our Kitchen Manager in leading our bakery's operations. The Lead Baker will be a hands-on team member, baking full-time while also acting as a leader to ensure high-quality production, smooth daily operations, and a positive work environment. You are both skilled and passionate about baking and are eager to contribute to a collaborative kitchen culture.
What You’ll Do

• Baking & Production: Prepare and refine a variety of bakery items, including breads, cakes, cookies, pastries, and custards, with attention to quality, detail, and consistency. Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient workspace to meet daily production goals. Monitor the quality of finished products, making adjustments to recipes or techniques as needed.
• Leadership & Team Support: Act as a resource for bakers, providing guidance and answering questions about recipes, processes, and production schedules. Foster a positive and collaborative work environment, leading by example with professionalism and enthusiasm. Support training and onboarding of new bakers to ensure they understand processes and standards.
• Production & Inventory Management: Assist the Kitchen Manager with maintaining and updating production schedules. Collaborate on shared prep and production lists to meet daily and weekly goals. Monitor inventory levels and communicate needs to the kitchen manager, adding to order lists or placing orders as necessary.
• Recipe Development & Quality Control: Participate in menu and recipe development in collaboration with the Kitchen Manager. Test new recipes, provide feedback, and ensure quality control for new menu items. Suggest ideas for innovative products or improvements to existing recipes.
• Operations & Maintenance: Communicate equipment and kitchen tool repair or maintenance needs to the kitchen manager. Uphold cleanliness, organization, and safety standards in the kitchen. Work with urgency and autonomy, ensuring tasks are completed efficiently and effectively.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3-5 years of professional baking experience in a high-volume environment.
• Proven ability to produce a variety of baked goods with consistency and precision.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to guide and support a team.
• Excellent time management and organizational abilities to meet production goals.
• Familiarity with scaling, mixing, shaping, and using a variety of baking equipment.
• Creativity and a proactive approach to problem-solving and process improvement.
• Enthusiasm for baking, teamwork, and delivering high-quality products.
• Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining cleanliness and organization.
• Flexibility to adapt to the needs of a busy kitchen and a collaborative environment.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs above waist height.
• Capability to stand for extended periods and perform repetitive motions in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility to work early mornings, weekends, or holidays as needed for bakery operations.

What You’ll Get
As a part of our team, we’re excited to offer…

• $25/hourly wage percentage of tips annual bonus
• Paid time off - 2 weeks in the first calendar year
• Monthly coverage of health insurance
• 401k matching after one year
• Discount on Tandem products and free coffee beans and drinks
• Fun team gatherings, including our annual retreat!
• Relocation assistance for anyone moving to Maine for the position

Job Specifications & Application Details
This is an hourly, full-time position scheduled to begin as soon as possible. We’re looking for the right fit for our team and will be offering funds to support a relocation. Please apply for this job directly by providing your resume and other specified details to be considered for the job opportunity.

Salary : $25