Bakery Assistant Manager

Mackenthun's Fine Foods; Waconia (MN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical coverage

Dental coverage

Vision coverage

401k

Life insurance

Disability

Paid vacation

Employee discount

Referral bonuses

Dietitian services

Job summary

Mackenthun's Fine Foods in Waconia, MN is seeking an experienced Bakery Department Assistant Manager to oversee daily operations, ensure high-quality production, and deliver exceptional customer service. You will help manage staff, inventory, and safety while supporting performance goals.

Responsibilities include training and supervising bakery staff, scheduling, maintaining product freshness, coordinating seasonal offerings, managing orders and FIFO inventory, and upholding food safety and

Qualifications

• High School diploma (GED) required.
• 1+ year of management experience preferred in bakery/retail.
• Bakery or culinary experience is a plus.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and math skills.
• Flexibility to work daytime hours, evenings, weekends, holidays as needed.

Responsibilities

• Lead bakery staff by training, supervising, and motivating to high performance.
• Assist in creating and managing staff schedules.
• Ensure products are fresh, visually appealing, and well-stocked.
• Collaborate with marketing on seasonal items and promotions.
• Monitor inventory, place orders, and manage FIFO to minimize waste.
• Provide excellent customer service and product recommendations.

Skills

Staff leadership

Staff scheduling

Food safety awareness

Inventory management

Customer service

Training & coaching

Education

High School diploma

Management experience

Job description

Job Summary

Assist the Bakery Department Manager in overseeing daily operations, ensuring high-quality production, exceptional customer service, and profitability. Help manage staff, including direct reports, inventory, ordering, and maintain a safe, sanitary environment while supporting Mackenthun's Exceptional Experience and meeting performance goals.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Staff Support:

• Lead direct reports by training, supervising, and motivating bakery staff to ensure high performance.
• Assist in creating and managing staff schedules, ensuring adequate staffing levels to meet customer demand.
• Help ensure staff are knowledgeable about products, food safety, and customer service standards.
• Provide feedback, coaching, and support for staff development.
• Foster a positive team environment to promote engagement and productivity.
• Handle staffing issues such as scheduling, performance evaluations, and addressing employee concerns or conflicts.
• Assist with recruitment, hiring, and onboarding new bakery staff.

Product Management:

• Assist in overseeing daily production to ensure products meet quality standards and align with company specifications.
• Ensure bakery items are visually appealing, fresh, and well-stocked to attract customers.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to support the development of new bakery items and seasonal offerings.
• Assist in managing production schedules to minimize waste and ensure product availability without overproduction.

Inventory & Ordering:

• Monitor inventory levels for ingredients, packaging, and other bakery supplies.
• Help place orders for ingredients and supplies, ensuring cost-effectiveness and minimizing spoilage.
• Assist in implementing efficient stock rotation (FIFO) to reduce waste and maintain product freshness.
• Track and manage inventory accurately and assist with documentation.

Customer Service & Sales:

• Provide excellent customer service, ensuring a positive shopping experience.
• Assist customers with product recommendations, slicing, packaging, and resolving any concerns.
• Implement merchandising strategies to enhance product visibility and drive sales.
• Monitor sales trends and assist in adjusting product offerings to maximize department sales.

Health, Safety & Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and sanitation regulations, including food handling and storage.
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment by conducting regular safety audits.
• Assist in overseeing the cleanliness of bakery equipment, tools, and the bakery floor.
• Support staff in following proper hygiene and sanitation practices in accordance with food safety guidelines.

Financial Performance & Budgeting:

• Assist in monitoring department financial performance, ensuring alignment with the store's budget.
• Help control shrinkage through effective inventory management and staff training.
• Assist in managing labor costs and scheduling, adjusting staffing levels as needed.
• Work with vendors to maintain competitive pricing and ensure accurate billing for special orders.

Collaboration:

• Work closely with the store manager, marketing team, and other department managers to support store objectives.
• Participate in promotional events and marketing campaigns to increase bakery product visibility.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure smooth store operations.

Department Development:

• Stay informed about industry trends, customer preferences, and new baking techniques.
• Assist in introducing new products and recipes to keep the bakery offerings fresh and exciting.
• Participate in planning meetings and contribute to department goals.
• Help develop staff skills through training and ongoing professional development.

Requirements

Qualifications

• High School diploma (GED) required; 1+ years of management experience.
• Prior bakery or culinary experience preferred.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and math skills.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to include daytime hours, evenings, every other weekend, an occasional overnight and some holidays as needed.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• Physical labor, including lifting up to 50 lbs, and working in a bakery environment.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits Summary for Full Time:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• 401k
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Long Term & Short Term Disability
• Hospital, Critical Illness, Accident
• Paid Vacation and Paid Holidays
• Sick & Safe Time
• Shift differentials for working Sundays & Holidays
• 10% discount at any Mackenthun’s locations
• Referral bonuses
• Dietitian services