Bakery Department Manager Trainee

Hyvee.io; Coralville (IA); On-site; USD 22,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Hy-Vee in Iowa seeks a Bakery Department Manager Trainee to learn all facets of running a bakery, from customer service and team leadership to pricing, scheduling, and inventory. You will train under an experienced manager and gain hands-on experience managing standards, handling daily operations, and supporting store goals.

The role emphasizes a proactive, customer-focused mindset, strong communication, and the ability to adapt in a fast-paced retail environment; a high school diploma is

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Six months to one year of similar or related experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside the Bakery Department Manager to complete a structured activity book on department management.
• Help set and uphold standards for customer service, cleanliness, sanitation, and profitability.
• Create a friendly atmosphere by greeting customers and leading by example.
• Assist customers with finding products and carrying heavy purchases to enhance their visit.
• Learn to recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate department staff.
• Assist with scheduling, daily work plans, and department goal setting.
• Learn to manage ordering, replenishment, pricing, invoicing, and bookkeeping.
• Help analyze weekly and monthly sales trends and plan promotions.
• Ensure proper product temperatures, storage, and freshness to minimize shrink.
• Assist with troubleshooting bakery equipment and coordinating maintenance.
• Support inventory and product pre-orders.
• Maintain Hy-Vee dress code, hygiene standards, and policies.
• Step up to lead department employees in the absence of the Department Manager.
• Assist in other store areas and take on special projects as needed.

Skills

Customer service

Problem solving

Math skills

Communication

Discretion

Team leadership

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

6 months to 1 year related experience preferred

Job description

Additional Considerations (if any):

- 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 Trainee

Department: Bakery

FLSA: Hourly

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

This is your launchpad. As a Bakery Department Manager Trainee at Hy-Vee, you'll work side by side with an experienced Bakery Department Manager to build the skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to lead a department of your own. From customer service and team leadership to pricing, scheduling, and inventory, you'll get hands‑on experience in every aspect of running a successful bakery.

If you're driven, eager to learn, and excited about growing your career in retail management, this is a great place to start.

What You'll Do

• Work alongside the Bakery Department Manager and complete a structured activity book covering all key aspects of department management
• Help 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
• Learn to recruit, hire, train, supervise, and evaluate department employees under the guidance of the Department Manager
• Assist with scheduling, daily work plans, and department goal‑setting
• Learn to manage ordering, replenishment, pricing, invoicing, and department bookkeeping
• Help 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
• Assist with understanding and troubleshooting bakery equipment and coordinating maintenance as needed
• Support department inventory and product pre‑orders
• Maintain compliance with Hy‑Vee's dress code, hygiene standards, and all company policies
• Step up to lead department employees in the absence of the Department Manager
• Assist in other store areas and take on special projects as needed

You'll receive direction and support from: District Store Director, Store Manager, Assistant Managers of Operations, Perishables, and Health Wellness Home, and Bakery Department Manager

Your Skills

• Deliver outstanding customer service and inspire others to do the same
• Solve practical problems and make sound decisions with a variety of variables
• Use basic math skills, including fractions, decimals, and percentages
• Communicate clearly in writing and verbally with customers, employees, and vendors
• Handle confidential information, including pricing data, with discretion
• High school diploma or equivalent required; six months to one year of similar or related experience preferred

Reporting Relationships

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

Direct Reports: Department Employees in the absence of the Department Manager

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required

Six months to one year of similar or related experience preferred

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 sta