Kitchen Lead — The Forgotten Bakery
Location: Sacramento, CA
Schedule: Wednesday–Sunday, Hourly Position
Compensation: Competitive hourly rate + tips + performance bonuses
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Kitchen Lead supports the daily production of our bakery, coordinating bagel and empanada prep, baking flow, sandwich production prep, and overall kitchen organization. While this is not a management position, the Kitchen Lead plays an essential leadership role in maintaining product quality, supporting staff, and ensuring that each day’s production runs smoothly, efficiently, and safely.
The Kitchen Lead works closely with ownership and the Kitchen Manager to execute production plans, track inventory, maintain sanitation standards, and support communication across the bakery.
RESPONSIBILITIES (NON-MANAGEMENT LEADERSHIP)
Daily Production & Quality
Oversee and support the daily production of bagels, empanadas, fillings, spreads, and sandwich prep
Ensure proper food handling, cooling, heating, and storage (FIFO, labeling, packaging)
Maintain consistency, accuracy, and high quality in all products
Follow and help refine bakery recipes and production methods
Workflow Coordination
Execute daily prep lists, production schedules, and par levels
Support efficient workflow between bakers, prep staff, and front-of-house team
Communicate product counts, shortages, and timing to FOH and management
Help plan upcoming production needs for weekends, holidays, catering, and wholesale
Inventory & Ordering Support
Track ingredient levels and communicate ordering needs to the Kitchen Manager
Help organize dry storage, walk-in, reach-ins, and prep areas
Assist with monthly inventory counting and organization
Order Fulfillment
Support accurate production and packing of internal and external orders
Help maintain systems for tracking daily counts, catering orders, and wholesale batches
Facilities, Equipment & Sanitation
Ensure consistent cleaning and organization of:
Kitchen
Walk-in fridge
Dry storage
Prep areas
Dishwashing and garbage zones
Help maintain equipment by reporting issues promptly
Support and follow daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning schedules
Uphold all California food safety and sanitation standards
Team Support (Non-Management)
Assist in training new prep staff and bakers in production procedures
Provide hands-on support during busy periods or when short-staffed
Model a calm, respectful, team-oriented environment
Support communication but does not hire, fire, discipline, or perform HR duties
WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED
Prior baking or high-volume kitchen experience (bagels or dough preferred, not required)
Strong communication skills; bilingual English/Spanish is a bonus
Highly organized and detail-oriented
Able to work efficiently in a fast-paced production bakery
Solutions-focused with strong problem-solving abilities
Passion for food, teamwork, and maintaining a positive kitchen environment
Tech comfortable (Google Sheets, basic production software, counting systems)
Must be able to bend, lift up to 50 lbs, and stand for extended periods
California Food Handler Certification required (or must obtain within 30 days)
PERKS & BENEFITS
Paid time off
Performance-based bonuses
A supportive and team-focused work environment
Free daily meal during your shift
Opportunities for internal growth as the bakery expands
Flexible scheduling accommodations when possible
OUR CULTURE
The Forgotten Bakery is built on community, creativity, warmth, and exceptional food. Our team represents diverse backgrounds, and we promote a respectful, inclusive, zero-tolerance environment for discrimination or harassment of any kind.gft
