Assistant Bakery Manager

Position Summary

The Assistant Bakery Manager supports the Bakery Manager in overseeing daily department operations, ensuring exceptional customer service, high-quality products, operational efficiency, food safety compliance, and team development. This position assists in achieving sales and profitability goals while maintaining attractive displays, proper inventory levels, and a clean, safe working environment. The Assistant Bakery Manager assumes leadership responsibilities in the Bakery Manager's absence.

Key Responsibilities Customer Service & Sales

• Deliver outstanding customer service and promote a customer-first culture.
• Assist customers with product selection, special orders, cake orders, and bakery recommendations.
• Resolve customer concerns professionally and promptly.
• Support sales growth through effective merchandising, promotions, sampling programs, and seasonal displays.
• Ensure bakery displays remain attractive, well-stocked, and visually appealing.

Department Operations

• Assist with daily bakery production, merchandising, inventory management, ordering, and receiving activities.
• Ensure products are prepared, decorated, packaged, and displayed according to company standards.
• Monitor product freshness, quality, rotation, and code date compliance.
• Maintain accurate pricing, signage, and promotional execution.
• Support production planning to meet customer demand while minimizing shrink and waste.
• Maintain department cleanliness, organization, and operational readiness.

Leadership & Team Development

• Assist in training, coaching, and developing Bakery Department associates.
• Provide direction and leadership to associates during assigned shifts.
• Support scheduling initiatives and labor management objectives.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, and a positive work environment.
• Assist with onboarding and training new associates on departmental procedures and expectations.

Merchandising & Product Quality

• Help maintain bakery cases, tables, and displays to company merchandising standards.
• Execute seasonal, holiday, and promotional merchandising programs.
• Monitor product presentation and quality to ensure customer satisfaction.
• Ensure specialty cakes, breads, pastries, and other bakery products meet established standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve product assortment and sales performance.

Financial Management

• Support achievement of department sales, labor, shrink, and profitability goals.
• Assist with inventory management and expense control.
• Review department conditions and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and productivity.
• Help maintain accurate inventory records and support physical inventory processes.
• Minimize waste through proper production planning and product rotation.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all food safety, sanitation, and health regulations.
• Monitor proper food handling, storage, labeling, and temperature control procedures.
• Maintain a clean and sanitary work environment.
• Ensure associates follow established food safety and sanitation standards.
• Support department compliance with company policies and operational procedures.

Safety & Asset Protection

• Promote a safe working environment for associates and customers.
• Ensure bakery equipment is operated and maintained safely.
• Follow accident prevention and incident reporting procedures.
• Support shrink reduction and asset protection initiatives.
• Maintain safe and organized work areas at all times.

Leadership Coverage

• Assume responsibility for department operations in the absence of the Bakery Manager.
• Assist with decision-making, staffing adjustments, and operational priorities.
• Communicate department expectations and goals to associates.
• Support store leadership initiatives and company programs.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Previous bakery, food service, or retail experience required.
• Previous supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Knowledge of bakery operations, food safety, and merchandising practices.
• Strong customer service, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
• Ability to bend, reach, kneel, and perform repetitive motions throughout the workday.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds regularly and heavier loads with assistance when necessary.
• Ability to work around bakery equipment, ovens, refrigeration units, and food preparation areas.
• Ability to safely handle bakery equipment, tools, and supplies.

Desired Competencies

• Leadership and team development
• Customer focus
• Bakery production knowledge
• Food safety and sanitation expertise
• Merchandising excellence
• Communication and interpersonal skills
• Organization and attention to detail
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Accountability and adaptability
• Operational and financial awareness

The Assistant Bakery Manager plays a key role in supporting department success by helping lead daily operations, developing associates, maintaining exceptional product quality, ensuring food safety compliance, and delivering an outstanding customer experience while achieving sales and profitability objectives.

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