Lead Baker - Full Time

Company: Whole Foods Market
Location: Chicago
Posted on: February 3, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description A career at Whole Foods Market is more than just the work you do- it's about your personal growth and creating meaningful change. Our purpose is to nourish people and the planet. That means improving how people eat, funding grants for school gardens, providing access to fresh and healthy food to people living within food deserts, alleviating poverty in developing countries, and so much more. Working with us means you are making a difference within your community and beyond. We aren't just a grocery store: we're world-changers. And with your help, we will continue to set the standards of excellence and revolutionize the grocery industry. Prepares and bakes high quality goods consistent with WFM’s quality standards. Performs all duties related to mixing, dividing, shaping, proofing, and baking bread and bakery products. Provides leadership and mentorship to bakers and other Team Members in the department. All Whole Foods Market Retail jobs require ensuring a positive company image by providing courteous, friendly, and efficient service to customers and Team Members at all times. All positions must be performed in accordance with team and store Standard Operating Procedures. Further, Team Members must be prepared and able to perform the duties inherent in other Team Member job descriptions. All positions must strive to support WFM core values and goals, promote national, regional, and store programs and initiatives, and ensure adherence to all applicable health and safety regulations including Food Safety and regulatory duties required in the department. Job Responsibilities - Mixes, divides, shapes, proofs, and bakes bread and other bakery products to approved Whole Foods Market specifications. - Maintains accurate mix times, temp logs, and production records. - Develop, adjust and communicate daily production schedules with other bakers and team. - Ensures 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. - Prepares, packages, weighs, and prices products for sale. - Monitors product quality and freshness and ensures proper product rotation. - Models and delivers outstanding customer service. - Mentors, coaches, and trains all other bakers on proper execution of relevant bread and bakery programs to maintain consistency and quality standards. - Arrives to work station on time, appropriately groomed, dressed and ready to work; works all scheduled shifts and attends required trainings and meetings. - Provides excellent customer service, addresses needs of customers in a timely and effective manner and models suggestive selling techniques; answers phones and pages promptly and courteously. - Maximizes sales potential through effective and proper procedures for prepping, storing, rotating, stocking, and merchandising product. - Follows and complies, or ensures compliance, with established procedures, including Weights and Measures, health and sanitation, and safe work practices. - Maintains, or ensures maintenance of, a clean and sanitary working and shopping environment; maintains equipment in accordance with WFM cleanliness and safety standards. - Performs opening, mid, and closing duties as assigned; ensures accuracy of signs and pricing. - Immediately reports safety hazards and violations. - Performs other duties as assigned by store, regional, or national leadership. - Utilizes proper production tools and reporting to maximize sales and reduce shrink. - Supports in training and onboarding bakers within home store and other locations. Job Skills - 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 respectable 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 Experiences - 14 months retail experience. Physical Requirements / Working Conditions - 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. Note: The purpose of this document is to provide a general summary of essential responsibilities for the position and is not meant as an exhaustive list. This document does not reflect all job duties or requirements for every position. Requirements build as one progresses through the job levels, so any job duties required at a lower level may be required at the higher level in addition to the duties listed for that higher level. Duties, assignments, and other responsibilities may differ for similar positions based on business conditions, departmental or geographic location, and/or needs for the particular position. An individual must demonstrate successful performance in their current position before being considered for promotion. In addition, in order to promote into a higher-level position, a business need for the promotion must exist and the candidate must be considered the most qualified person for the new position. Completion of certain milestones such as obtaining an advanced degree or certification, time in current position, or developing skills to perform at the higher-level role do not guarantee a promotion. The wage range for this position is $17.50-$30.20 Hourly, commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market offers "Whole Benefits". Whole Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plan benefits, eligibility for a store discount, paid time off and access to other benefit programs. Eligibility for Whole Benefits is determined under the terms of the applicable Whole Benefits plan at a person’s date of hire. For additional information, visit our Whole Foods Market Careers site: https://careers.wholefoodsmarket.com/benefits. At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs. Whole Foods Market works with job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter to promote opportunities at our company. Please be aware that other career sites may not be accurate or up to date and may even be fraudulent. We encourage and recommend all candidates to apply via our site.

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