Head Baker & Culinary Operations

About MIJ Hub Ltd

MIJ Hub is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals with diverse learning needs. Through ventures like Ashraf's Cafe and the upcoming Komunal, we offer high-quality food and beverages while empowering individuals with special needs through employment and skill-building opportunities.

Komunal is a specialty caf startup focused on redefining the caf experience. With a menu that blends high-quality coffee and experimental offerings, Komunal is poised to set new industry standards while providing an inclusive hiring platform. This is a unique opportunity to spearhead a fresh brand, shaping its culinary direction, innovation, and culture from the ground up as it grows. Komunal will serve both specialty coffee and crafted meals, offering a dynamic and creative environment where you can leave your mark.

Ashraf's Cafe operates in the B2C and B2B space, focusing on online sales of baked goods, including cookies and other specialty bakes. The caf operates at high volume, delivering top-notch products while providing meaningful employment for individuals with special needs.

Job Title: Head Baker & Culinary Operations

The Head Baker & Culinary Operations will oversee all baking operations for Ashraf's Cafe and Komunal, ensuring high standards in product quality, consistency, and innovation. You will manage all aspects of bakery production, from day-to-day operations to R&D for new items. A strong foundation in baking techniques is essential, and culinary expertise is a plus, especially to support Komunal's specialty food offerings.

You will be responsible for ensuring strict adherence to quality control and processes, while working with a team of job coaches, special needs work clients, barista, fulfillment officer and part-time staff. This role involves maintaining efficient production processes, overseeing menu development, and managing inventory to deliver exceptional products consistently.

1. Baking & Culinary Operations

• Execute and Coordinate the full spectrum of daily baking operations for Ashraf's Cafe (high-volume baked goods) and Komunal (specialty cafe), ensuring consistent quality and adherence to established SOPs.

• Oversee the timely production of all baked goods based on weekly projected quantities provided by the Fulfilment Officer, ensuring both Ashraf's Cafe and Komunal are adequately stocked at all times.

• Drive culinary excellence by continuously testing, refining, and improving recipes to meet customer expectations and uphold brand standards.

2. Operational Efficiency & Process Improvement

• Identify, implement, and refine innovative production techniques to enhance kitchen efficiency and reduce wastage without compromising quality.

• Lead the evaluation, recommendation, and acquisition of new kitchen equipment to improve workflow, production output, and overall operational performance.

• Ensure seamless coordination between in baking operations for both Ashraf's and Komunal Cafe

3. Menu Development & R&D

• Working with Social Enterprise Manager and Senior Barista to understand customer preferences for both Ashraf's Cafe and Komunal to align with the menu development and r&d

• Execute and coordinate new product development, including seasonal offerings, specialty bakes, and experimental menu items for both cafes.

• Ensure all menu creations meet high standards of taste, quality, presentation, and consistency.

• Align menu innovations with customer preferences, market trends, and cafe branding.

4. Inventory & Supply Chain Management

• Oversee inventory levels to ensure the timely ordering of ingredients, maintaining quality and cost-effectiveness at all times.

• Work closely with suppliers to ensure consistent ingredient availability, quality control, and competitive pricing.

• Implement inventory tracking systems to optimize stock rotation, minimize waste, and support accurate forecasting.

5. Health, Safety & Compliance

• Uphold strict compliance with food safety regulations, hygiene practices, and industry standards within the kitchen.

• Conduct routine health and safety checks to maintain a clean, organized, and hazard-free kitchen environment.

• Ensure all team members follow safe food handling procedures and proper sanitation protocols.

Secondary Responsibilities

1. Order Fulfilment

• Step in to coordinate order fulfilment during the Fulfilment Officer's absence, ensuring timely packing of orders and delivery of all customer orders and smooth operational continuity.

2. Support for Special Needs Clients

• Supervise and guide special needs working clients in the production cycle when the Job Coach is not present.

• Ensure tasks are clearly communicated and completed safely, effectively, and in line with production requirements.

  Requirements

  • 5-10 years of experience in baking, pastry arts, or culinary arts, with expertise in high-volume production and specialty baking.

  • Proven experience managing a baking team and overseeing culinary operations in a fast-paced environment.

  • Culinary expertise is a plus, especially with experience in both baking and meal preparation for specialty cafs.

  • Expertise in baking techniques, culinary arts, quality control, and menu development.

  • Strong leadership skills, with the ability to train, mentor, and empower a diverse team.

  • Excellent organizational skills and a proven ability to implement process improvements and optimize kitchen operations.

  • Culinary qualifications or equivalent professional experience in baking or culinary arts.

  • Certifications in food safety or kitchen management are a plus.