Assistant Baker

Kneads & Wants Artisan Bakery and Cafe
Skokie, IL

Kneads & Wants Bakery is seeking an experienced baker and pastry professional to join our full-time production team.

We're looking for someone who is passionate about scratch baking, takes pride in craftsmanship, and enjoys the variety that comes with working in a small, family-owned bakery. This is an opportunity for someone who wants to do more than the same production routine every day—you'll play an important role in everything from overnight production and daily baking to catering, holiday specials, and new product development.

This is a full-time position that includes overnight and early morning production shifts.

What You'll Do

This is a hands-on production position with a combination of overnight baking, daytime production, and kitchen prep. Your regular responsibilities will include:

  • Preparing and shaping laminated doughs for croissants and other pastries

  • Preparing and baking scones, cookies, bars, cupcakes, and other bakery items according to our recipes and quality standards

  • Overnight and early morning production as scheduled

  • Preparing ingredients and maintaining production for daily bakery operations

  • Preparing savory items, including chicken salad, cooking and slicing our in-house meats, preparing bacon, and restocking house-made sauces

  • Keeping our grab-and-go case fully stocked with fresh products throughout the day

  • Maintaining a clean, organized, and food-safe kitchen

  • Assisting with inventory, prep lists, and communicating production needs

While these are your core responsibilities, every member of our team helps wherever needed. Throughout the year you'll also assist with catering orders, holiday production, seasonal specials, special events, and new product development. We're a small bakery, which means flexibility, teamwork, and a willingness to jump in are essential.

Qualifications

We're looking for someone who has:

  • Professional bakery or kitchen experience and/or completion of a culinary or baking & pastry program

  • A strong understanding of baking fundamentals, pastry techniques, and production workflows

  • The ability to work independently while maintaining consistent quality

  • Excellent organization and attention to detail

  • The ability to lift up to 50 pounds and spend extended periods standing

  • Reliability, punctuality, and a positive attitude

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is someone who:

  • Is passionate about baking and eager to continue learning and growing

  • Takes pride in producing consistent, high-quality products

  • Thrives in a collaborative, team-oriented environment

  • Is adaptable and willing to help wherever the bakery needs them

  • Communicates well and enjoys being part of a close-knit team

  • Wants to make a meaningful contribution to a small business where every employee has an impact

About Us

Kneads & Wants is a family-owned neighborhood bakery dedicated to making exceptional food from scratch every single day. From laminated pastries and desserts to savory grab-and-go offerings, we take pride in producing high-quality products using carefully developed recipes and techniques.

As a member of our production team, you'll play an important role in maintaining those high standards. Every product that leaves our kitchen reflects the care, consistency, and craftsmanship that our customers have come to expect.

We're a small team, and we genuinely enjoy working together. That means everyone has the opportunity to contribute ideas, learn new skills, and take ownership of their work. If you're looking for a place where your skills will be valued, your work will make a visible impact, and no two weeks look exactly the same, we'd love to hear from you.

Posted 2026-08-07

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