LEAD BAKER

Department: Bakery

Reporting to: Director / Operations Manager

Location: Nairobi

ROLE PURPOSE

The Lead Barker will provide hands-on leadership and supervision of bakery operations, ensuring consistent product quality, efficient production planning, team management, and continuous product innovation in line with Kinness Foods’ mission and values. This role is ideal for a skilled and creative baker with leadership potential, capable of managing daily operations while contributing to product development and process improvement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Production & Quality Management

• Plan and oversee daily bakery production schedules.

• Ensure consistent quality, portioning, and presentation of all bakery products.

• Monitor compliance with food safety, hygiene, and quality standards.

• Identify and resolve production issues promptly.

2. Team Supervision & Training

• Supervise bakery staff and allocate daily tasks effectively.

• Guide, mentor, and train junior bakers to maintain high performance.

• Enforce discipline, attendance, and workplace standards.

• Support a positive, productive team culture.

3. Product Development & Innovation

• Participate in the development of new bakery products aligned with market demand.

• Improve existing recipes for quality, cost efficiency, and scalability.

• Collaborate with management on seasonal and institutional product requirements.

• Support pilot testing and standardization of new products.

4. Planning, Stock & Cost Control

• Plan raw material requirements in coordination with procurement.

• Monitor ingredient usage to minimize wastage.

• Maintain basic production records and reports.

• Support cost control initiatives without compromising quality.

5. Operational Coordination

• Work closely with sales, catering, and logistics teams to meet client orders.

• Ensure timely fulfillment of institutional and bulk orders.

• Support continuous improvement of bakery processes and workflows.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Certificate or Diploma in Baking, Pastry, Food Production, or related field.

• Minimum 5 years of hands-on bakery experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead role.

• Experience in commercial or institutional baking is an added advantage. • Practical understanding of food safety and hygiene standards.

• Basic computer skills for reporting is an advantage.

KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Strong baking and production skills.

• Leadership and people management ability.

• Planning and organizational skills.

• Creative approach to product development.

• Cost awareness and efficiency mindset. • Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Passionate about baking and quality.

• Practical, hands-on, and solutions-oriented.

• Detail-focused with a strong sense of accountability.

• Team player with a positive attitude.

• Aligned with Kinness Foods’ values of Quality, Consistency, and Partnership