Director of Baking Operations

The Culinary Services departments at the College of Saint Benedict (CSB) and Saint John’s University (SJU) invite applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE), benefit-eligible position of Director of Baking Operations.

Why Join Us?

 The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees, including:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

• 18 Paid Holidays Annually

• Generous Vacation and Sick Leave

• Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance

• Tuition Remission for Eligible Dependents

• Employer Contributions to a Retirement Plan

• Employee Assistance Program with access to free or discounted counseling, legal guidance, financial coaching, and more

Join a committed team dedicated to safety, community, and service in a supportive and values-driven work environment.

To learn more about our benefits, visit mycsbsju.edu/jobs.

The Director of Baking Operations is a highly skilled culinary leader responsible for shaping the baking and pastry vision across the campuses of the College of Saint Benedict (CSB) and Saint John’s University (SJU). This role oversees recipe development, product innovation, staff training, and quality assurance for all baked goods and dessert programs. The Director of Baking Operations ensures that the dining services offer exceptional, consistent, and customer focused baked items that meet nutritional, dietary, and operational standards while fostering a culture of creativity, continuous learning, and excellence.    

Institutional Inclusion Visioning Statement

The College of Saint Benedict (CSB) and Saint John’s University (SJU) believe that an excellent liberal arts education requires an understanding and appreciation of cultural difference and that everyone deserves to feel safe and morally valued. To that end, we will challenge our own practices and systems. Our commitment to an inclusive environment will be incorporated into all decision-making processes. We dedicate ourselves to cultivating an equitable, inclusive community founded on respect for all persons.

CSB and SJU offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits program (click the benefits tab above the position summary section to view more information). For further information regarding our institutions, visit CSBSJU.

The posted wage represents CSB and SJU's good faith estimate of likely compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will be dependent upon several factors, including the candidate's experience, qualifications, and skills, and may fall outside of the range indicated.

Operational Oversight

• Coordinate with bakery staff and operations across both campuses, ensuring adherence to production schedules, quality standards, and sanitation guidelines.

• Standardize processes and implement best practices to maintain consistency in appearance, taste, and quality of baked goods.

• Work closely with purchasing managers to source ingredients and evaluate vendor quality.

• Monitor food cost, waste management, portion control, and efficiency metrics to meet budget goals.

• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and food-handling regulations.

• Oversee and assist with food preparation and execution

• Cover shifts as needed to address absences or staffing shortages.

Recipe Development & Innovation

• Create, test, and standardize recipes for breads, pastries, desserts, and special dietary offerings.

• Lead innovative initiatives to continually refresh menus, increase variety, and align product offerings with customer preferences and food trends.

• Collaborate with culinary leadership to integrate baking programs into seasonal menus, special events, and retail concepts.

• Evaluate new ingredients, equipment, and techniques to enhance product quality, efficiency, and sustainability.

Supervision, Training & Staff Development

• Train staff and student employees in proper baking techniques, equipment use, and food safety standards.

• Provide supervision, support, and direction to bakery team employees.

• Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide constructive feedback to team members.

• Develop ongoing training programs, including skill assessments, workshops, and demonstrations.

• Mentor and support bakery teams to build expertise, creativity, and consistency.

• Ensure a safe, inclusive, and collaborative work environment that supports continuous growth.

Collaboration & Campus Engagement

• Partners with campus dining leadership, marketing teams, and student groups to gather feedback and develop customer centered bakery offerings.

• Participate in campus events, tastings, and community engagement initiatives to promote the bakery program.

• Work with nutrition teams to analyze recipes, accommodate dietary needs, and support wellness initiatives.

Other duties as assigned.

• Degree, or certificate, in Baking & Pastry Arts, Culinary Arts, Hospitality, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.

• Five or more years of progressive experience in baking and pastry operations, preferably in a high-volume or multi-site environment.

• Experience within college/university dining services or large-scale bakery operation preferred.  

• Strong background in recipe development, menu creation, and bakery production systems.

• Demonstrated experience training and mentoring staff.

• Knowledge of current baking trends, dietary needs, and ingredient innovations.

• Strong organizational, communication, and project-management skills.

• ServSafe certification or the ability to obtain certification within six months of employment.

• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to work effectively and collaboratively with diverse groups in team settings.

• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, including the ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and take initiative.

• Demonstrated ability to engage customers and uphold high service standards to ensure a positive experience.

• Proficiency in using office and data management software to generate reports, organize information, and monitor results.

• Valid driver’s license and ability to meet campus vehicle qualifications.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to perform essential job functions, with or without reasonable accommodations.

• Requires mobility to navigate various campus facilities.

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds, independently or with assistance.

• Capacity to tolerate varying noise levels and temperature changes, and to stand and walk for extended periods.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• Regular travel between the campuses of the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University.

Applications are accepted online by clicking on "Apply." Candidates are asked to complete the application form and submit a cover letter and resume.

If you require an accommodation to participate in the CSB and SJU hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (320) 363-5501 or [email protected].

It is the policy of CSB and SJU to conduct a pre-employment background check. An offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check. The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University also utilizes E-Verify as part of its onboarding process to confirm work authorization.

The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University are Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employers.