Bakery Department Manager

Hy-Vee Inc; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Hy‑Vee Ames, IA is seeking a Bakery Department Manager to lead our bakery team, uphold product quality, and create a welcoming store experience for customers. You’ll recruit, train, schedule staff, oversee ordering, inventory, pricing, and displays, monitor safety and sanitation, and partner with store leadership to drive sales and profitability.

The ideal candidate has bakery or retail management experience, a high school diploma, sanitation training, and a commitment to teamwork, service, and

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One or more years of related bakery or retail management experience preferred.
• Completion of sanitation courses or on‑the‑job training in food safety is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Set standards for customer service, cleanliness, sanitation, team relations, and profitability.
• Build a friendly atmosphere by engaging customers and leading by example.
• Assist customers with finding products and help with heavy items.
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate department employees.
• Coordinate scheduling and daily work plans with store leadership.
• Oversee ordering, replenishment, pricing, invoicing, and bookkeeping.
• Analyze weekly/monthly sales trends and plan promotions and displays.
• Ensure proper temperatures, storage procedures, and freshness.
• Understand and troubleshoot bakery equipment and coordinate maintenance.
• Maintain department inventory and pre-orders.
• Adhere to Hy‑Vee dress code, hygiene standards and policies.

Skills

Customer service

Team leadership

Problem solving

Math skills

Communication

Data confidentiality

Bakery management

Education

High school diploma

Sanitation training

Job description

Additional Considerations

At Hy‑Vee our people are our strength. We promise “a helpful smile in every aisle” and those smiles can only come from a workforce that is fully engaged and committed to supporting our customers and each other.

Job Description

Job Title: Bakery Department Manager

Department: Bakery

FLSA: Salary Revision Date: 07/2026

About Hy‑Vee

At Hy‑Vee, we believe the shortest distance between two people is a smile. We’re seeking people with a passion for customer service, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to being part of a team that strives to make our customers’ lives easier, healthier and happier.

The Role and Why It’s Important

At Hy‑Vee, our Bakery Department Managers are the heartbeat of one of our most beloved departments. In this role, you’ll set the tone for everything — from the quality of the products on the shelf to the experience customers have when they walk through your department. You’ll lead a team, build relationships, and make sure every visit to the bakery leaves customers smiling. If you’re someone who leads by example, takes pride in quality, and loves creating an environment where both your team and customers feel valued, this role was made for you.

What You’ll Do

• Set and uphold department standards for customer service, cleanliness, sanitation, team relations, and overall profitability
• Build a friendly, welcoming atmosphere by encouraging your team to greet and engage with customers and leading by example
• Assist customers with finding products, reaching items, carrying heavy purchases, and going the extra mile to make their visit a great one
• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate department employees, and handle performance and disciplinary matters as needed
• Coordinate scheduling, daily work plans, and department goals in partnership with store leadership
• Oversee ordering, replenishment, pricing, invoicing, and bookkeeping for the department
• Analyze weekly and monthly sales trends, prepare ad projections, and plan promotions and displays
• Ensure proper product temperatures, storage procedures, and freshness standards to minimize shrink
• Understand and troubleshoot bakery equipment and coordinate maintenance as needed
• Conduct department inventory and manage product pre‑orders
• Maintain compliance with Hy‑Vee’s dress code, hygiene standards, and all company policies
• Assist in other store areas and take on special projects as needed

Support Structure

You’ll receive direction and support from:

• District Store Director
• Store Manager
• Assistant Managers of Perishables
• Store Operations
• Health Wellness Home

Your Skills

• Deliver outstanding customer service and inspire your team to do the same
• Lead, motivate, and develop a team in a fast‑paced retail environment
• Solve practical problems and make sound decisions with a variety of variables
• Use basic math skills, including fractions, decimals, and percentages
• Communicate clearly, both in writing and verbally, with customers, employees, and vendors
• Handle confidential information, including employee compensation, sales data, and inventory reports, with discretion
• One or more years of related bakery or retail management experience preferred; high school diploma or equivalent required

Reporting Relationships

• Accountable and Reports to: Store Director, Store Manager, Assistant Managers of Perishables, Store Operations, and Health Wellness Home
• Direct Reports: Department Employees

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• One or more years of related bakery or retail management experience preferred
• Completion of sanitation courses or on‑the‑job training in food safety is a plus

Physical Requirements

Ability to frequently lift, carry, push, or pull objects weighing 100 pounds or more, with or without mechanical assistance

Continuously stand and walk on hard surfaces for extended periods

Where applicable to the role: ability to operate pallet jacks, forklifts, or similar material‑handling equipment (required operator certification must be completed prior to independent use)

Work in cooler or freezer environments for extended periods

Where applicable to the role: ability to safely use sharp knives and blades to cut, trim, or grind product

Where applicable to the role, and in accordance with applicable age and legal requirements: operate a cardboard baler or compactor

Where applicable to the role: perform repetitive motions associated with dough mixing, scaling, and proofing

Ability to unload, lift, stock, and rotate incoming truck freight and merchandise

Working Environment

This is a fast‑moving, hands‑on role where no two days are the same. You may work in areas with temperature changes or damp conditions, which is pretty typical for a bakery environment. The role involves working with and around standard bakery and store equipment and may include exposure to electrical equipment, cleaning products, or solvents. Safety is always a priority, and training is provided to help ensure a safe and supportive work environment.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre employment drug screen.