Bakery Department Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

At Festival, people are at the top of our list. You'll see it in everything from our daily interactions to how we treat our guests - even in our extensive associate benefits and programs.

Job Title: Bakery Department ManagerReports To: Senior Fresh Manager

Are you a retail or culinary leader with a passion for delivering exceptional guest experiences? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where your leadership and organizational skills can make a difference? If so, we invite you to apply to become a key leader on our team as a Bakery Department Manager.

Our bakery plays a pivotal role in crafting unforgettable experiences for guests' events and everyday moments alike, ranging from special occasions to everyday indulgences.

Developing associates and providing excellent guest service is at the heart of what we do.  Whether it's a friendly greeting, answering questions or addressing guest concerns, you'll handle each interaction with professionalism and care. Your willingness to help guests with what they need, and develop your team of associates, will make a positive impact every day.

As a Festival Foods Bakery Department Manager, you will:

• Lead and Inspire: Mentor and guide all Bakery associates, reinforcing our culture of excellence in guest service and performance.
• Staffing: Ensure adequate staffing levels by interviewing and hiring top talent.
• Training: Train new associates and develop their skills to maintain high standards of service and quality.
• Scheduling: Finalize and approve weekly work schedules, ensuring efficient operation of the department.
• Performance Management: Conduct performance reviews, document policy violations, and provide corrective actions when necessary.
• Operational Excellence: Oversee all department standards, inventory levels, and accurate pricing to ensure smooth operations.
• Guest Services: Provide outstanding service to our guests, assist with their needs, and handle special requests.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the Store Director, Bakery Director, and other Department Managers to exceed guest expectations.
• Product Management: Monitor sales floor and back stock conditions, ensuring products are well-stocked, fresh, and visually appealing.
• Cleanliness and Safety: Maintain a clean and safe working environment, adhering to all food service and food safety regulations.
• Development: Develop Assistant Bakery Manager and/or Bakery Leads for future advancement opportunities.
• Administrative Duties: Manage timekeeping accuracy and communicate with HR regarding any scheduling adjustments or issues.
• Compliance: Ensure all quality standards and quantity expectations are met consistently.
• Honor Commitments: Regular, timely attendance in compliance with the work schedule, and adequate notice to find a replacement for occasional absences
• Support the Team: Other duties as assigned

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability to perform the essential functions.

To be successful in the Festival Foods Bakery Department Manager role, you should have:

• Customer Focus: Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with guests and all associates.
• Effective Problem-Solving: Ability to quickly assess and resolve issues in a dynamic and stressful work environment while supporting team members.
• Safety Awareness: Comprehensive understanding of safety requirements and company safety policies.
• Retail Expertise: Knowledge of the retail food business and perishable department operations, and merchandising expertise, with the ability to make timely and effective decisions.
• Communication Skills: Good oral and written communication skills and the ability to interact with a diverse team.
• Leadership Experience: Five to seven years of grocery or bakery experience preferred, with at least two years in a key leadership position.
• Education: High School Education or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Certification: Must have WI Certified Food Manager License (Festival will pay for certification if needed).

The physical demands and work environment described below are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• The associate must possess the ability to stand in place for long periods of time; walk in the store; bend, stoop and kneel regularly (50% of time).
• Requires fine finger and broad manual dexterity, and eye-hand-foot coordination in order to operate equipment.
• This position requires the associate to have the ability to have full range of upper body motion in order to occasionally lift stock. Requires the ability to perform repetitive tasks for prolonged periods of time.
• Must possess functional sensory abilities in order to visually monitor the store, create attractive displays, and to operate equipment.
• The position requires the associate to lift up to 60 pounds on an occasional basis (20% of time).
• Proper training and knowledge of power equipment which may include: slicer, mixer, oven, knives and cutters, pallet or power jack, WAV, compactor, baler, and/or other baking equipment.
• Working conditions consist of occasional exposure to extreme temperatures (20% of time).

The Bakery Department Manager is a full-time position. The work schedule will include mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

 Ready to bring your passion for leadership, bakery, pastry, food service, and retail grocery customer service to a role where you can make a real impact? Apply today to lead our dedicated bakery team!