Assistant Bakery Manager

Harper Associates; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Job summary

Harper Associates in Detroit seeks an experienced Artisan Bakery Production Supervisor to lead our artisan bread operation, supervise a hands-on team, and drive quality, throughput, and process improvements in a fast-paced bakery environment.

You will manage daily production, schedules, labor, and inventory, ensure food safety and sanitation, and collaborate with leadership to develop new products while maintaining traditional methods and premium ingredients.

Qualifications

• Supervisory or production leadership experience in bakery or food manufacturing.
• Hands-on artisan bread production knowledge including fermentation and sourdough.
• Experience with production scheduling, labor planning, and inventory.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, problem solving.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily artisan bread production, including mixing, fermentation, scaling, shaping, proofing, baking, and maintaining sourdough starters.
• Lead production from the floor, coaching and supporting the team while ensuring efficient workflow and consistent execution.
• Develop daily production schedules based on retail and wholesale sales forecasts.
• Monitor labor efficiency, food costs, waste, and production performance while maintaining exceptional product quality.
• Train, mentor, and develop production and packaging team members while assisting with hiring and onboarding.
• Maintain recipe documentation, production procedures, and food cost controls.
• Manage ingredient inventory to ensure freshness, proper rotation, organization, and appropriate stock levels.
• Partner with bakery leadership on process improvements, operational efficiencies, and new product development.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness through daily, weekly, and monthly sanitation programs.
• Ensure bakery equipment is properly operated, maintained, and cared for through preventative maintenance and staff training.
• Enforce all food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards in compliance with local and state regulations.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Bread production knowledge

Team leadership

Problem solving

Job description

Expected Schedule: 5:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

5-Day Workweek | Approximately 50 Hours per Week | PTO

Lead the Production Behind Exceptional Artisan Bread

Join a respected artisan bakery committed to traditional baking methods, premium ingredients, and exceptional quality. We're seeking an experienced Artisan Bakery Production Supervisor to oversee our artisan bread production operation, lead a talented team, and ensure every loaf meets the highest standards.

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands‑on bakery leader who enjoys working alongside their team, improving processes, and producing outstanding artisan breads in a fast‑paced, quality‑driven environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise daily artisan bread production, including mixing, fermentation, scaling, shaping, proofing, baking, and maintaining sourdough starters.
• Lead production from the floor, coaching and supporting the team while ensuring efficient workflow and consistent execution.
• Develop daily production schedules based on retail and wholesale sales forecasts.
• Monitor labor efficiency, food costs, waste, and production performance while maintaining exceptional product quality.
• Train, mentor, and develop production and packaging team members while assisting with hiring and onboarding.
• Maintain recipe documentation, production procedures, and food cost controls.
• Manage ingredient inventory to ensure freshness, proper rotation, organization, and appropriate stock levels.
• Partner with bakery leadership on process improvements, operational efficiencies, and new product development.
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness through daily, weekly, and monthly sanitation programs.
• Ensure bakery equipment is properly operated, maintained, and cared for through preventative maintenance and staff training.
• Enforce all food safety, sanitation, and workplace safety standards in compliance with local and state regulations.

Qualifications

• Previous supervisory or production leadership experience in an artisan bakery, commercial bakery, or specialty food manufacturing environment.
• Strong hands‑on knowledge of artisan bread production, including fermentation, dough development, shaping, proofing, baking, and sourdough starter management.
• Experience managing production schedules, labor planning, food costs, and inventory.
• Proven ability to train, coach, and motivate production teams.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Mechanical aptitude with the ability to identify equipment issues and coordinate maintenance.
• Thorough understanding of food safety, sanitation, and quality standards.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced production environment with changing priorities.
• Flexibility to work a regular 5:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. schedule while adjusting hours as needed to provide leadership coverage during vacations, holidays, employee absences, and other operational needs. Occasional weekend coverage may be required.
• $85,000–$90,000 annual compensation ($30-$35/hr + OT)
• Paid Time Off
• Stable 5-day workweek (approximately 50 hours)
• Opportunity to join a growing, quality‑focused artisan bakery with an outstanding reputation
• Collaborative leadership team and a culture committed to craftsmanship and continuous improvement