Bakery Operator

Nothing Bundt Cakes #248; Waterloo (IA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

401(k) matching

Bonus based on performance

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Training & development

Vision insurance

Job summary

Nothing Bundt Cakes #248 in Waterloo, Iowa is seeking a Bakery Manager/Lead Operator to oversee daily operations and lead the team. This role includes ensuring a top-notch guest experience, managing cake production and inventory, and upholding the brand’s core values.

The ideal candidate will have 1-3 years of leadership experience in the food service sector, possess problem-solving skills, and demonstrate a strong focus on team development and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of leadership experience in retail or food service.
• Experience in hiring and developing teams.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds.

Responsibilities

• Direct day-to-day operation of the bakery.
• Recruit and select talent for the team.
• Manage special-order fulfillment.
• Create weekly sales productivity goals.
• Ensure adherence to food safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Retail math

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Post-secondary education

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Benefits

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Bonus based on performance
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance

Overview

The Nothing Bundt Cakes (NbC) Bakery Manager/Lead Operator directs the team and day-to-day operation, which includes all aspects of the guest experience, cake production, brand and merchandise presentation, work environment, P&L management, and inventory control. The ultimate objective of this role is to drive sales and profitability while ensuring the highest quality cakes, a warm, welcoming environment and superior service are consistently provided to our guests. The Bakery Manager/Lead Operator exemplifies NbC core values and serves as the key culture carrier to bring joy to the bakery and beyond in the community while building the team’s commitment to our guests and the NbC brand.

Accountabilities/Duties

Team Leadership

Prioritizes the guest experience, models superior guest engagement and fosters a positive work environment.

Recruits and selects talent and ensures performance expectations are clearly communicated and proper training is provided to execute responsibilities effectively and enable team members to thrive.

Engages frequently with team members to gain insight into workload and progress, address any challenges and course-correct as needed.

Provides continuous coaching and follow up to develop the team and manage performance; delivers constructive feedback, conducts quarterly reviews, and addresses any performance issues in a timely, effective manner.

Delineates role of Assistant Manager, assigning specific responsibilities to support the ongoing leadership of the bakery team and operation.

Identifies future leaders and cross‑trains team members as appropriate to build individual capabilities and ensure adequate bakery coverage.

Maintains hands‑on knowledge of all bakery roles and steps in regularly to perform various responsibilities as business needs dictate.

Business Operations

Facilitates the opening and closing of the bakery, including cash‑drawer balancing and bank deposits.

Manages special‑order fulfillment via web and email for individual guests and corporate accounts as well as large, complex orders and deliveries.

Creates and communicates weekly sales productivity goals, cake production plan, and team schedule, and adjusts bakery coverage based on changing business trends.

Sets inventory par levels based on production demand and sales forecast, monitors stock levels, processes weekly supply orders and conducts monthly inventory.

Ensures NbC product, service, bakery environment, and visual merchandising standards are consistently upheld and that all bakery operations adhere to food and health safety standards and NbC policies and procedures.

Manages all controllable expenses, including labor, COGS, maintenance, and supplies, to maximize profitability.

Performs administrative functions, including payroll processing, sales, labor and product inventory reporting, and basic accounting procedures.

Local Marketing

Leads proactive community outreach to increase brand visibility in the market and engage in brand‑aligned events while responding appropriately to external requests for NbC contributions.

Coordinates special event participation with local businesses, schools, and other community organizers.

Core Values and Leadership Competencies

Servant’s Heart

Goes above and beyond to support and develop the team and create a superior guest experience.

Keeps the good of the team and guests ahead of personal interests or gain.

Leads by example and displays humility and empathy for others.

Spirit of a Champion

Demonstrates an intense drive, a commitment to excellence and a passion to succeed.

Seizes 100% ownership of responsibilities, with zero excuses for issues within direct control.

Operates with a sense of urgency, exercises sound judgment and seeks feedback to improve performance.

Genuine Connections

Projects warmth, enthusiasm, and optimism that attracts and energizes others.

Builds positive, productive relationships and communicates often and openly.

Serves as a strong Cake Celebrity/Brand Ambassador in the local community.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Understands basic retail math and P&L principles, including the specific levers that drive sales and profitability.

Has the ability to interpret and analyze business and financial data, identify areas of strength and improvement opportunity, and determine appropriate action plans to address issues.

Leads with an unwavering guest focus and exhibits strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage, empower and motivate a team and communicate effectively in both oral and written form.

Excels at delegating duties, communicating clear expectations, directing others’ work and managing performance.

Is highly organized and resourceful, can balance multiple priorities and demonstrates strong follow‑up skills.

Possesses strong problem‑solving skills, with the ability to accurately assess situations and identify issues, develop possible solutions and take the appropriate courses of action.

Demonstrates strong learning agility, with a passion to grow and excel.

Education, Certifications and Work Experience Requirements

High school diploma or GED; post‑secondary education is a plus.

1–3 years of leadership experience managing teams, business operations and the guest experience in the retail, hospitality or food service industries.

Demonstrated success in hiring and developing teams, creating a superior service environment and achieving financial objectives.

Experience in creating productivity goals, inventory par levels, and team schedules, and managing costs.

Foodservice safety training certificate (or required to obtain within 30 days of employment).

Ability to lift 25 pounds.

Basic proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, with comfort in learning new technologies.

Work Availability

Must have the flexibility to work various shifts, including early mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays, based on changing business demands.