Job description

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 Ashraff 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 café startup focused on redefining the café 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.

Ashraff Cafe operates in the B2C and B2B space, focusing on online sales of baked goods, including cookies and other specialty bakes. The café 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 Ashraff 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 leading a team that includes bakers, job coaches, special needs working clients, and part-time staff. This role involves maintaining efficient production processes, overseeing menu development, and managing inventory to deliver exceptional products consistently.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead and Innovate in Baking & Culinary Operations
   Oversee the daily production of baked goods for Ashraff Cafe (high-volume) and Komunal (specialty café). Ensure consistency, quality, and adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs), while developing and testing new products through R&D to drive innovation and meet customer expectations.
    

2. Team Leadership & Mentorship
   Manage and mentor a diverse team of bakers, job coaches, special needs working clients, and part-timers. Provide training on baking techniques, kitchen safety, and operational procedures. Foster an inclusive work environment, empowering staff to develop their skills while maintaining a positive team culture.
    

3. Operational Efficiency & Process Improvement
   Identify and implement innovative work processes and production techniques to enhance kitchen efficiency, reduce waste, and maintain quality. Lead the exploration and procurement of new equipment to improve operational output, ensuring both high-volume and specialty operations run smoothly.
    

4. Menu Development & R&D
   Spearhead the development of new products and seasonal offerings for both Ashraff Cafe and Komunal. Focus on specialty bakes for Ashraff Cafe and experimental meals for Komunal. Ensure all items meet high standards for quality, flavor, and presentation, while aligning with customer preferences.
    

5. Inventory & Supply Chain Management
   Oversee inventory management, ensuring the timely procurement of ingredients and adherence to quality standards. Work with suppliers to maintain consistent ingredient quality and cost-effectiveness, while implementing tracking systems to optimize stock rotation and reduce waste.
    

6. Health, Safety & Compliance
   Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, sanitation standards, and industry best practices. Conduct regular health and safety audits to maintain a clean, organized, and safe kitchen environment.

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 cafés.

• 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.