Assistant Bakery Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

5-day workweek

OT pay

Job summary

Harper Associates in Detroit is seeking an experienced Artisan Bakery Production Supervisor to oversee our artisan bread production, lead a skilled team, and ensure every loaf meets the highest standards in a fast-paced, quality-driven environment.

This hands-on leadership role focuses on improving processes, maintaining sourdough starters, and coordinating with bakery leaders on efficiencies, while ensuring strict food safety and sanitation practices.

Qualifications

• Hands-on leadership in artisan bread production.
• Experience with fermentation, dough development, shaping, and sourdough starters.
• Experience managing production schedules, labor planning, and inventory.
• Proven ability to train, coach, and motivate production teams.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Thorough understanding of food safety and sanitation standards.

Responsibilities

• Supervise daily artisan bread production from mixing to baking.
• Lead the production floor, coaching the team for efficient workflow.
• Develop daily production schedules based on forecasts.
• Monitor labor costs, waste, and product quality.
• Train, mentor, and onboard production and packaging staff.
• Maintain recipe documentation and ingredient inventory.
• Partner on process improvements and new product development.
• Ensure sanitation and equipment maintenance programs are followed.
• Enforce food safety and workplace safety standards.

Skills

Artisan bread production

Team leadership

Scheduling & planning

Food safety & sanitation

Inventory management

Coaching & mentoring

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