Pastry Sous Chef at Bakery

Job Description The Bakery Sous Chef is a hands-on leadership role responsible for overseeing all bakery operations and management of the bakery team and shift leads alongside our Bakery Pastry Chef. This position ensures that all doughs, breads, and baked goods are produced accurately, efficiently, and to Colossus quality standards for daily service.In addition to executing production, the Bakery Sous Chef provides guidance, direction, and support to bakers, helping maintain consistency, workflow, food safety, and a smooth transition to daytime operations. This role requires strong baking skills, sound judgment, and the ability to lead calmly and effectively during a variety of shifts.The Bakery Sous Chef works closely with the Bakery Pastry Chef and Ownership team and serves as a primary point of contact for our bakers. This is a salaried exempt position. You will have a schedule but will also be expected to respond to call-outs and fill in where necessary to support our Pastry Chef and bakery team. Hours may vary depending on bakery needs and holiday production.What you'll doAs the Bakery Sous Chef, you will both lead and produce, ensuring production and bake-off runs smoothly, safely, and on schedule.Production Leadership & OversightLead baking operations and set the pace for our bakers and leadersAssign tasks, prioritize workflow, and adjust production as needed to meet service demandsEvaluate quality, procedures and uphold standards with our Pastry Chef and Ownership teamEnsure recipes, timelines, and production standards are consistently followedAct as the main point of communication between night and daytime bakery teamsHold bakers accountable for job requirements. Provide feedback and enforce company policiesDoughs, Batters & MixingScale and mix bread doughs, enriched doughs, and batters according to standardized recipesMonitor mixing times, dough temperatures, and fermentation for consistency and qualitySet up, operate, and break down mixers safely and efficientlyTrain bakers on proper procedures and techniquesQuality controlBread ProductionDivide, shape, proof, and bake breads using deck or rack ovensManage fermentation schedules and oven loads throughout the shiftEvaluate bake quality, including structure, color, and doneness, and make adjustments as neededTrain staff on fermentation, recipes, and proper dough proceduresPastries, Cookies & Other Baked GoodsPortion, shape, and bake cookies and other baked goods as requiredPrepare and bake enriched or laminated products when assignedEnsure all finished products meet established visual and quality standardsSlicing, Finishing & StagingOversee slicing, cooling, labeling, packaging, and staging of productsOrganize racks and storage areas to support an efficient morning handoffVerify counts and completeness of staged productsWork with Pastry Chef and Wholesale Manager to ensure proper production and create clear expectations and procedures for staff to fulfillQuality, Safety & SanitationUphold food safety, sanitation, and allergen-handling standards at all timesLead by example in cleanliness and organization throughout the shiftInspect products for quality, accuracy, and consistencyAddress issues immediately and communicate concerns to leadershipClearly communicate facilities issues promptly with follow-upEquipment & OperationsSafely operate and clean commercial bakery equipmentPerform basic equipment checks and report maintenance or safety concernsEnsure overnight operations comply with all safety and operational proceduresTrain on safety and best practices. Lead by example.Training & Team SupportSupport onboarding and training of new Night BakersProvide clear direction, feedback, and support to team membersFoster a respectful, focused, and team-oriented overnight work environment*The duties listed above are representative of the work performed in this role and are not intended to be an exhaustive list.How You QualifyWe are looking for candidates who can successfully perform the essential functions of the Lead Night Baker role, with or without reasonable accommodation.Experience & Skills4+ years of commercial bakery or bread production experience requiredAt least 1 year in a similar role, including managing a teamStrong understanding of bread fermentation, mixing, proofing, and bakingAbility to read, follow, and execute detailed recipes and production schedulesExpert knowledge of food safety and sanitation practicesWork Style & AbilitiesAbility to lead by example while remaining hands-on in productionStrong time management and decision-making skills during overnight shiftsAbility to work independently with minimal supervisionClear, calm communication skills, especially during fast-paced productionAbility to manage staff of varying experience levelsExperience with enforcing company policies and formal feedback proceduresPhysical & Environmental AbilitiesAbility to perform the physical demands of the role as outlined below, with or without reasonable accommodationProfessional ExpectationsReliable, punctual, and consistent attendanceCommitment to quality, safety, and operational standardsRespectful leadership style that supports an inclusive work environmentPerksEmployee discounts on food and baked goodsSupportive, team-oriented work environmentAdditional benefits may be available for eligible employees, including health, dental, and/or vision insurance. (employer-sponsored health and dental plan for FT employees after 3 month probationary period)*Perks and benefits are subject to change in accordance with applicable laws and company policies.Your Work Environment & Physical DemandsThis role is performed in a commercial bakery and food production environment. The working conditions and physical demands described below represent those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Work EnvironmentWork is performed indoors in a commercial bakery settingRegular exposure to heat from ovens and baking equipmentExposure to flour dust, food ingredients, and cleaning agentsNoise levels may vary and can be moderate to loud due to equipment operationWork may involve working in confined or shared spaces and around moving equipmentOvernight and early-morning hours are required, and lighting conditions may vary during shiftsPhysical DemandsAbility to stand and walk for extended periods, often for the majority of the shiftFrequent use of hands and arms for mixing, shaping, loading, and handling dough and baked goodsRepetitive motions involving the hands, wrists, arms, and shouldersAbility to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach above shoulder height as required for production tasksAbility to push, pull, lift, and carry materials, ingredients, or finished productsAbility to lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds frequently and up to 50lbs occasionally, with or without reasonable accommodationSensory & Cognitive RequirementsAbility to visually inspect dough and baked goods for quality, consistency, and donenessAbility to follow written and verbal instructions, recipes, and safety guidelinesAbility to manage time effectively and complete tasks within required production schedulesAbility to remain alert and focused during overnight shiftsSafety & Equipment UseAbility to safely operate commercial baking equipment, including ovens, mixers, and racks, following training and safety proceduresAbility to work safely around hot surfaces, sharp tools, and moving machineryCompliance with all workplace safety, food safety, and sanitation requirementsAccommodationsWe are committed to complying with all applicable state and federal laws regarding reasonable accommodationsReasonable accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the jobEqual Opportunity & Fair ChanceWe are an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered in a manner consistent with legal requirements. Employment is at-will. Reasonable accommodations available.By applying to this job, you agree to receive periodic text messages from this employer and Homebase about your pending job application. Opt out anytime. Msg & data rates may apply. Powered by Homebase. Free employee scheduling, time clock and hiring tools.