Assistant Bakery Manager

Job Summary

The Assistant Bakery Manager supports the Bakery Manager in overseeing the daily operations of the Bakery Department. This position helps ensure exceptional customer service, high-quality product presentation, food safety compliance, inventory control, associate development, and department profitability. The Assistant Bakery Manager assists with leading department associates while maintaining bakery standards that drive sales and create an outstanding customer experience.

Key Responsibilities Department Operations

• Assist in managing the day-to-day operations of the Bakery Department.
• Ensure bakery cases, displays, and sales floor presentations are fully stocked, clean, and visually appealing.
• Monitor product quality, freshness, rotation, and inventory levels.
• Support department merchandising plans, seasonal programs, and promotional events.
• Maintain department organization, cleanliness, and operational readiness.
• Assist in the planning and execution of holiday and specialty bakery programs.

Customer Service

• Deliver exceptional customer service and create a positive shopping experience.
• Assist customers with product selection, special orders, custom cake requests, and bakery recommendations.
• Resolve customer concerns promptly and professionally.
• Promote a customer-focused culture throughout the department.
• Build customer loyalty through friendly, knowledgeable, and personalized service.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, health, and safety regulations.
• Monitor proper storage, handling, labeling, and rotation of bakery products.
• Maintain department standards for cleanliness and regulatory compliance.
• Support readiness for inspections, audits, and operational reviews.
• Ensure associates follow company food safety and production procedures.

Inventory & Financial Performance

• Assist with ordering, receiving, and inventory management.
• Help control shrink, waste, labor costs, and department expenses.
• Monitor product movement and maintain appropriate inventory levels.
• Support achievement of sales, margin, and profitability goals.
• Assist in analyzing department performance and implementing action plans for improvement.

Leadership & Team Development

• Assist in training, coaching, and developing bakery associates.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive work environment.
• Help coordinate schedules and assign daily responsibilities.
• Provide ongoing feedback and support associate development.
• Assume department leadership responsibilities when the Bakery Manager is absent.

Merchandising & Product Quality

• Ensure bakery products meet company quality and presentation standards.
• Maintain attractive displays that maximize sales opportunities.
• Verify pricing accuracy, signage, and promotional execution.
• Support seasonal offerings, specialty product launches, and customer engagement initiatives.
• Monitor production levels to ensure product availability while minimizing waste.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
• Previous bakery, grocery, food service, retail, or related experience required.
• Leadership or supervisory experience preferred.
• Knowledge of bakery operations, merchandising, product handling, and inventory management.
• Strong customer service, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, and lift throughout scheduled shifts.
• Frequently lift and carry products weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in environments with ovens, mixers, refrigeration equipment, and bakery production areas.
• Ability to safely push, pull, and move bakery products and equipment.
• Ability to perform repetitive tasks associated with bakery production and merchandising.

Preferred Skills

• Leadership and associate development.
• Bakery merchandising and product presentation.
• Inventory control and shrink management.
• Customer service excellence.
• Time management and organizational skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Career Growth Opportunities

This position can provide a pathway to roles such as:

• Bakery Manager
• Sales Manager
• Service Operations Manager
• Assistant Store Director
• Store Director
• District-Level Operations Leadership

The Assistant Bakery Manager plays a key role in supporting department success by maintaining product quality, developing associates, driving sales, ensuring operational excellence, and delivering an exceptional customer experience for every customer who visits the Bakery Department.

      ·    Access to up to 50% of your earned wages before payday, via our partnership with Stream