Manager Bakery

picknpay; Randburg; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

Pick n Pay is seeking a seasoned Bakery Operations Leader to manage day-to-day bakery activities, ensuring fresh products and optimal stock levels. You will plan production, supervise staff, and drive sales and profitability.

The role requires 5+ years in bakery operations, strong leadership, and a solid understanding of food safety and quality compliance within a retail bakery setting.

Qualifications

• Must have Grade 12 / Matric.
• Must hold a recognised baking qualification (NQF 2/3) or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years in bakery operations with supervisory/management exposure.
• Strong knowledge of commercial baking processes and production management.
• Experience in retail bakery environment is advantageous.
• Proficient computer skills including Excel; SAP or stock systems beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day bakery operations to ensure fresh products and availability.
• Plan and coordinate production schedules aligned with demand and trends.
• Recruit, train and develop bakery staff; manage shift scheduling.
• Drive sales, gross profit, and cost controls within the bakery.
• Oversee stock, wastage, and stock rotation; monitor expiry dates.
• Ensure food safety, hygiene, and quality standards; audit-ready.

Skills

Bakery operations knowledge

Leadership & people management

Sales & profitability awareness

Forecasting & wastage control

Inventory & stock control

Food safety & quality control

Education

Matric / Grade 12

Bakery qualification (NQF 2/3)

Tools

Excel

Stock management systems (SAP)

Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!

Minimum Requirements

• Grade 12 / Matric.
• A recognised baking qualification, preferably NQF Level 2 or 3, or an equivalent relevant qualification.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in bakery operations, including bakery management or supervisory experience .
• Proven practical knowledge of commercial baking processes and bakery production management.
• Experience in a retail bakery environment will be advantageous.
• Computer literacy, including Microsoft Excel.
• SAP knowledge or experience with stock management systems will be advantageous.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong technical baking knowledge and product quality management.
• Commercial acumen and understanding of sales, gross profit and cost control.
• Production planning, forecasting and wastage management.
• Inventory management and stock control.
• Leadership, people management and employee development.
• Strong planning, organising and problem-solving skills.
• Customer service orientation.
• Attention to detail and commitment to food safety.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet operational deadlines.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to analyse performance information and implement corrective actions.

1.1 Bakery Operations and Production

Manage the day-to-day operations of the bakery department, ensuring efficient production and availability of fresh bakery products. Plan and coordinate production schedules in line with customer demand, sales trends and seasonal requirements. Ensure that all bakery products meet prescribed quality, freshness, presentation and consistency standards. Oversee baking processes, including mixing, proofing, baking, finishing, packaging and merchandising. Ensure that equipment, ovens and bakery facilities are properly maintained and used safely. Monitor product availability and ensure that production levels meet store requirements.

1.2 People Management and Development

Recruit, train, coach and develop bakery employees to achieve operational and performance targets. Allocate duties and manage staff scheduling to ensure adequate departmental coverage. Monitor employee performance, productivity, attendance and adherence to company policies. Maintain discipline and promote teamwork, accountability and a customer-focused culture. Identify training needs and ensure that employees have the required bakery skills and competencies.

1.3 Sales, Profitability and Financial Management

Drive bakery sales and profitability through effective production planning, product availability and merchandising. Monitor departmental sales, gross profit, labour costs and other relevant performance indicators. Control production costs, ingredient usage and operational expenses. Minimise wastage, markdowns and product losses through effective forecasting and stock management. Analyse sales trends and implement corrective actions to improve departmental performance. Identify opportunities to grow sales through product innovation, promotions and improved customer service.

1.4 Stock and Inventory Management

Manage the ordering, receiving, storage and rotation of raw materials and finished products. Ensure optimal stock levels to prevent stock shortages, overstocking and unnecessary wastage. Monitor stock expiry dates and apply appropriate stock rotation procedures. Conduct regular stock counts and investigate stock variances. Ensure that ingredients and packaging materials are available to support uninterrupted production.

1.5 Food Safety, Hygiene and Quality Control

Ensure compliance with applicable food safety legislation, hygiene requirements and Pick n Pay standards. Maintain high standards of personal hygiene, equipment cleanliness and departmental housekeeping. Ensure correct food storage, temperature control, allergen management and safe handling procedures. Conduct regular quality checks and ensure that non-conforming products are removed from sale. Ensure the department is audit-ready and that corrective actions are implemented where required.

1.6 Customer Service and Merchandising

Ensure bakery products are attractively displayed, correctly labelled and available throughout trading hours. Maintain high standards of product presentation, freshness and value for money. Respond to customer queries, complaints and special product requests professionally. Work with the Store Manager and other departments to improve the overall customer experience.

1.7 Compliance and Administration

Maintain accurate