Assistant General Manager - Newport Beach

Levain Bakery; Newport Beach (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

HRA (Employer-funded)

Commuter benefits

Employee Assistance Program

Paid parental leave

Paid time off

401K with company match

Job summary

Levain Bakery is seeking an Assistant General Manager to support bakery operations, leadership, and the financial wellbeing of the store. You will oversee retail, baking production, and staff, ensuring top-quality customer experiences and efficient day-to-day execution.

The ideal candidate has 3–5 years in food service or retail with supervisory experience, strong communication, and a proactive, empathetic leadership style.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3-5 years of food service, QSR, or retail experience with 1-2 years supervisory experience.
• Strong communication & interpersonal skills.
• Open availability including mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to lift 25-50 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Display effective leadership to inspire and manage bakery staff across shifts.
• Model DEI principles in bakery operations and leadership.
• Facilitate clear communication with team members, customers, and management.
• Coach and develop team members with regular opportunities for growth.
• Manage daily tasks, ensure accurate orders, and maintain safety standards.
• Review sales and costs with GM to identify opportunities.

Skills

Customer service

Communication

Team leadership

Problem solving

Adaptability

Attention to detail

Tools

Toast POS

Job description

Competitive triathletes and passionate bakers, Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald left their careers to open a small bread shop in New York City in 1995 — Levain Bakery.

One day, they baked a BIG chocolate chip walnut cookie as energy for triathlon training. At Levain, a batch of these 6-ounce cookies flew off the shelves, and an icon was born. The cozy shop on West 74th Street became a neighborhood favorite and a destination for epicurious visitors from around the world, hungry for “the cookie.”

From the start, Pam, Connie, and the team baked everything fresh on-site each day, donating the day’s leftovers to charity — and we still do, nearly 30 years later. Today, Levain has bakeries across the country (with more to come!), plus e-commerce gift boxes to treat cookie lovers in every state.

Our Vision: To give rise to lifelong memories.

Our Mission: To bring together people who treat their work and the craft of baking and all who come to visit with great care.

Every day, we strive to embody our company’s five core values:

• Welcome All- We are all in it together
• Work Hard and Be Kind- We pull our weight, we do our best, and take care of each other
• Lead with Heart- We operate with empathy and integrity
• Rise Up- We take initiative to make things better
• Savor It- We are present and find the fun!

THE ROLE: ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER

Assistant General Managers collaborate with General Managers to manage and support bakery operations, effective management of team members, and the financial wellbeing of the bakery. Assistant General Managers provide on-the-ground support to ensure retail, baking production, and operations needs are met. The ideal candidate has strong problem-solving, decision making, communication, team building, and leadership skills.

What We’re Looking For

• People-forward attitude with exceptional customer service skills; Be proactive and empathetic in assisting customers and team members
• Strong communication & interpersonal skills; team-oriented with a positive attitude
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and care: be adaptable, flexible, and patient
• Ability to continuously motivate and inspire team members and set a positive example for the team
• Ability to remain calm under pressure in a fast-paced environment when troubleshooting issues: be consistent, patient, and even keeled
• Strong attention to detail in customer interactions and product knowledge

Job Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Management

• Display effective leadership capabilities focused on team dynamics, motivation, and conflict resolution to inspire and manage all bakery staff (including shift leads, bakers, retail team members, trainers, and porters)
• Model DEI principles and ensure they are upheld in bakery operations and leadership practices, where team members foster a culture of inclusion in their store
• Facilitate open, clear, and effective verbal and written communication with team members, customers, and management
• Demonstrate strategies for resolving conflicts and handling difficult conversations with team members
• Manage team member performance through assessment techniques, coaching, and regular development opportunities

Customer Service

• Demonstrate strong customer service skills and coach team members on how to handle inquiries, complaints, and feedback in an effective manner
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of customer preferences, needs, and expectations to inspire your team members to do the same
• Foster strong, lasting relationships with customers to enhance their sense of belonging and connection to our community surrounding the bakery
• Troubleshoot customer complaints to quickly resolve issues and communicate what happened to your General Manager

Operations:

• Manage the success of shifts by ensuring daily tasks are completed, customer orders are fulfilled accurately, and DOH food safety standards are consistently met
• Consistently adhere to established protocols and maintain the highest standards of excellence to ensure all baked goods meet Levain Bakery’s quality standards
• Regularly check on ingredients and finished products to maintain consistency
• Ensure all in-store and third-party delivery (3PD) orders are accurate and safely prepared
• Partner with General Manager to manage cash reconciliations, audit time sheets, close payroll, and ensure inventory is entered accurately
• Delegate restocking, cleaning, and organizational tasks to the team

Growth Management

• Support General Manager to develop and implement sales strategies to reduce cost and increase revenue (e.g. minimizing waste, optimizing labor, upselling, community-based activities, or marketing activations)
• Review P&L with General Manager, to identify success and opportunities throughout the period

Requirements

• Minimum 3-5 years of food service, QSR, or retail experience, with at least 1-2 years of supervisory experience required
• Adept knowledge of Toast POS system
• Open availability: ability to work mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Ability to lift/push 25-50 pounds
• Stand/walk for an 8-hour shift (excluding a ½ hour break); some locations require walking up and down stairs
• Read and communicate in English, both verbally and in writing
• Utilize basic computer skills (Email, Microsoft Office)
• Must have valid DOH Certification & additional regional required food handlers’ certifications

Compensation & Benefits

• $70k-$80k + 15% quarterly bonus potential
• Health, Vision, Dental Insurance
• Employer-funded Healthcare Reimbursement Account
• Additional supplemental benefits: Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Bike-Share Reimbursement
• 14 Weeks Fully Paid Parental Leave
• Three Weeks of Paid Time Off
• 401K with 3.5% Company Match

We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all employees feel valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.