Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Bakery Manager

A Bakery Manager is a professional who oversees the daily operations of a bakery, ensuring the efficient production and delivery of high-quality bakery products. They are responsible for managing staff, coordinating inventory, maintaining food safety standards, and providing excellent customer service. In this blog post, we will describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Bakery Managers.

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Main Responsibilities of a Bakery Manager

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Bakery Manager:

Accomplish

Accomplish the above within efficiency guidelines as established by division management.

Achieve

Achieve department sales and financial objectives.

Adhere to

Adhere to all company guidelines, policies and standard practices.

Analyze

Analyze bakery sales and financial reports to identify opportunities for growth.
Analyze current practices and develop action plan to reduce actual spend.

Answer

Answer and respond to incoming calls appropriately.

Assist with

Assist customers by taking and filling special orders.
Assist guests with product recommendations and locations, product requests, special orders, etc..
Assist in developing your team to work together to deliver amazing guest service.
Assist in the weekly and forecast production scheduling.
Assist the Manager supervising, directing, motivating and training staff.
Assist with all cleaning duties as stated on opening / closing and weekly checklists.
Assist with developing staff.
Assist with hiring amazing people.
Assist with overseeing a growing team of 40+ employees.
Assist with the development of standardized recipes for all menu items.

Attain

Attain departmental financial objectives.

Attend

Attend and participate in, conjunction with Human Resources, on union matters.
Attend Manager Training courses in communications, finance, and people development.
Attend required training and sales meetings.
Attend weekly Manager Meetings.

Build

Build strong working relationships with guests, vendors and associates.
Build strong working relationships with teams to ensure smooth operations of all departments.
Build strong working relationship with team.

Carry out

Carry out the day-to-day management of production planning, payroll, ordering and merchandising.

Clean

Clean and sanitize work area (including tables, floor, walls, cases, cooler, freezer, etc.).

Collaborate with

Collaborate with the bakery team to develop new recipes and product offerings.
Collaborate with the marketing team to design and execute promotional campaigns.

Communicate

Communicate and work with other functional areas of Busch's operations.
Communicate operational requirements / changes to department employees.

Complete

Complete and administer reviews for deli / bakery associates.

Comply

Comply with and ensure compliance with Company grooming standards and dress code.
Comply with and ensures compliance with all Company policies and procedures.

Conduct

Conduct daily and weekly inventories.
Conduct market research and customer surveys to gather insights.
Conduct performance appraisals on all department associates according to company standards.
Conduct regular inventory audits to prevent stock discrepancies.

Contribute to

Contribute to organizational effectiveness by offering information, suggestions and recommendations.

Control

Control store expenses through proper ordering, care for supplies and equipment.

Coordinate

Coordinate and schedule work shifts for bakery employees.
Coordinate maintenance of department equipment and repairs.
Coordinate with Production and Quality Assurance functions to fully support the above.

Create

Create a coaching and development culture for all employees, which embraces a passion for food.
Create and update bakery menus, considering customer preferences and trends.
Create clean and beautiful food everyday.

Determine

Determine merchandise and services to be sold.

Develop

Develop action plan to achieve goal.
Develop and implement bakery strategies and business plans.
Develop and implement cost control measures to maximize profitability.
Develop and implement marketing strategies to promote bakery products.
Develop and maintain relationships with vendors and suppliers.
Develop KPI's with other departments on agreed product standards.
Develop product knowledge in all areas of the Bakery department.

Direct

Direct and controls the operation of the Bakery Department to achieve sales and profit objectives.

Encourage

Encourage and maintain adequate communication in all areas and between all levels within the plant.

Enforce

Enforce that all food handling safety and sanitary standards are rigorously followed.

Engage

Engage in suggestive selling and other sales techniques.

Ensure

Ensure a clean and organized bakery environment, including display cases and workstations.
Ensure all company policies and procedures are followed as outlined.
Ensure all food products prepared meet the established specifications and standards.
Ensure all waste is scanned out to maintain accurate shrink records.
Ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation regulations.
Ensure compliance with local, state and federal regulations.
Ensure consistent quality and presentation of bakery products.
Ensure corrective and preventative action plans are implemented and effective when assigned.
Ensure Deli Bakery schedules are written to provide extraordinary customer service at all times.
Ensure department associates are properly trained by certified trainers.
Ensure department budget is maintained for the manufacturing department.
Ensure food safety, HACCAP guidelines and sanitation practices.
Ensure proper levels of bakery and pastry items are prepared based on assigned needs.
Ensure successful implementation of organizational change working towards Production Standards.
Ensure that all prepared items are labeled, dated, correctly wrapped and rotated.
Ensure that bakery product quality, baking and decorating standards are met.
Ensure that department team members are adhering to The Fresh market standards and policies.
Ensure the maintenance of accurate records of production, shrink, sales and inventory.
Ensure the maintenance of the department's appearance and presentation.
Ensure timely completion of all price changes and sign maintenance.

Execute

Execute high quality food production.
Execute policies, programs and procedures defined for deli / bakery operations.
Execute winning as required.

Follow

Follow Company policy in handling quick sale items.

Foster

Foster a positive and inclusive environment to retain associates and customers.
Foster a positive work culture and motivate bakery staff.

Handle

Handle customer inquiries, complaints, and special requests.

Help

Help with local community events and donation of bread as part of our ‘End of Day Giving' program.

Hire

Hire, train and develop associates to meet the department needs.

Identify

Identify and trains associates with high potential for advancement opportunities.
Identify promotable personnel and recommend necessary and desirable training.

Implement

Implement and ensures adherence to Customer Service Policy.
Implement and maintain proper storage and rotation practices for bakery ingredients.
Implement changes made to production and logistics.
Implement customer loyalty programs to enhance customer retention.
Implement effective promotional and seasonal displays.
Implement emergency procedures in the event of equipment and computer software malfunctions.

Initiate

Initiate, support, participate and lead community and charitable events and activities.

Lead

Lead, coach and motivate colleagues to improve productivity, engagement and retention.

Locate

Locate, select and procure merchandise for resale.

Maintain

Maintain a clean and safe working environment as per Company requirements.
Maintain a department plan to use seasons and seasonal food items to increase sales.
Maintain and organize bakery department cooler and freezer.
Maintain bakery equipment and schedule regular maintenance and repairs.
Maintain high productivity levels and ensure that schedules are kept within budget.
Maintain records on ad item movement.
Maintain security standards.
Maintain solid communication in the department and throughout the organization.

Make

Make intercom announcements.
Make product suggestions and engages in suggestive selling.

Manage

Manage all operations of the Bakery Department.
Manage and supervise bakery staff, including hiring, training, and performance evaluations.
Manage a small business and a high performing team as well as the team schedules.
Manage bakery finances, including budgeting, revenue tracking, and expense management.
Manage department operations in accordance with established department standard practices.
Manage shift expectations and contribute to the Sprinkles culture and experience.
Manage store operations as required.
Manage the Deli Bakery Department, including hiring, training and developing department associates.
Manage the department budget.

Meet

Meet established volume activity standards for the position.

Monitor

Monitor and manage bakery expenses within budgetary constraints.
Monitor and report on daily production status.
Monitor customer feedback and address any issues or concerns.
Monitor daily log sheet, purchase report and sales and labor report.
Monitor inventory levels and place orders for bakery ingredients and supplies.
Monitor shrink ensuring that inventory is accounted for.

Observe

Observe and correct all unsafe conditions that could cause associate or customer accidents.
Observe and ensure compliance with company sanitation, safety, and food safety standards.

Order

Order deli / bakery products and supplies.
Order a full range of products and assists in taking inventory.

Oversee

Oversee and delegate tasks in the kitchen and dish room.
Oversee back-end processes on functions related to cleaning, storage, health, safety and more.
Oversee bakery operations, including production, packaging, and delivery.

Participate in

Participate in Company's Workplace H&S Committee.

Perform

Perform all other duties and projects as assigned by Store Manager.
Perform general housekeeping in the department.
Perform repetitious arm movement required to decorate, prepare and package product.
Perform repetitive hand and arm motions.

Plan

Plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate daily operations.

Prepare

Prepare and decorate fresh pastries, cakes and assorted desserts.
Prepare and maintain necessary engineering, receiving and inventory reports / records.
Prepare and plan for period end inventories.

Prevent

Prevent shrink and controls expenses.

Promote

Promote and enforce all Company policies and procedures.

Provide

Provide coaching for associates to recognize and prevent losses.
Provide feedback for continuous improvement.
Provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities for bakery employees.
Provide recognition of accomplishments and offer constructive counseling when necessary.
Provide solid leadership and guidance to direct reports.
Provide superior customer service to meet customer needs.

Pull

Pull or push up to 75 lbs. on occasion.

Push

Push and pull fully loaded hand trucks and pallet jacks.

Reach

Reach to shoulder level or overhead on occasion while lifting up to 20 lbs. on occasion.
Reach with hands and arms.

Receive

Receive, price, stock, rotate and merchandise products.

Report

Report to work as scheduled and fulfill requirements for duration of shift.

Resolve

Resolve associate complaints where appropriate and reports action taken to Store Director.
Resolve problems that arise, such as customer complaints and supply shortages.

Retrieve

Retrieve and organize bakery product loads.

Rotate

Rotate product to minimize out of dates.

Schedule

Schedule personnel to ensure adequate coverage and service levels.

Set

Set and achieve clear sales objectives to ensure Department profitability.
Set and achieve sales targets and monitor bakery performance.
Set, lead and supervise the production of the Bakery Department.

Stay updated on

Stay informed about local market trends and competition.
Stay updated on industry trends and incorporate new products or techniques into the bakery.
Stay updated on relevant industry regulations and standards.

Stock

Stock and rotate product.

Supervise

Supervise, motivate, direct, train and participate in the hiring of Bakery Department personnel.
Supervise performance of all duties and responsibilities of all Bakery associates as assigned.

Support

Support and participates in special projects as assigned.
Support for professional development including certified COBS Bread Baker Training and E-Learning.
Support office management (e.g. completing inventory and orders, invoices, scheduling, payroll).
Support the achievement of budgeted financial and operating results.
Support the General Manager in managing all areas of the bakery – employees, guests, and business.
Support the GM in Scheduling.
Support the management and duties of store operations to meet financial and sales goals.

Train

Train and develop deli / bakery associates.
Train and lead bakery production teams.

Treat

Treat all co-workers with fairness, dignity, and respect.

Understand

Understand and report current department performance verses set standard.
Understand and use company tools such as.
Understand the causes and means for resolving and limiting shrink.

Unload

Unload deliveries of product to ensure freshness and quality.

Use

Use hands to operate controls, feel objects and use tools to prepare products.
Use knowledge of scales and weight measures to accurately weigh and label products.
Use of plastic or latex gloves.
Use RF (Radio Frequency) unit as needed.
Use work aids such as knives, scrapers and decorating tools.

Utilize

Utilize cleaning supplies, including chemicals, and equipment.

Work with

Work closely with location Quality Assurance staff to achieve food safety and quality objectives.

Write

Write weekly schedules for all deli / bakery associates.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Bakery Manager:

Deep knowledge of baking techniques, recipes, and ingredient functionality.
Proficiency in bakery operations and production management.
Understanding of food safety regulations and health codes.
Knowledge of inventory management and supply chain logistics.
Financial acumen and budgeting skills for managing bakery finances.
Proficiency in using bakery equipment and machinery.
Ability to analyze sales data and interpret financial reports.
Understanding of marketing principles and strategies for bakery promotion.
Familiarity with industry trends and emerging baking technologies.
Knowledge of food cost control and pricing strategies.
Proficiency in computer software and systems for inventory tracking and sales management.
Ability to develop and implement standard operating procedures for bakery operations.
Understanding of product development and recipe testing processes.
Knowledge of packaging and labeling requirements for bakery products.
Familiarity with quality control and assurance practices in the bakery industry.
Ability to develop and maintain relationships with suppliers and vendors.
Proficiency in forecasting and demand planning for bakery products.
Understanding of bakery health and safety protocols.
Knowledge of local and regional market trends in the bakery industry.
Proficiency in data analysis and reporting tools.

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Bakery Manager:

Leadership: Ability to lead and inspire a team of bakery staff.
Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to interact with staff, customers, and suppliers.
Time management: Effective prioritization and time management skills to meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks.
Problem-solving: Strong problem-solving abilities to address challenges and make informed decisions.
Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing market demands and operational requirements.
Teamwork: Collaboration and teamwork skills to work effectively with bakery staff and other departments.
Customer service: A customer-centric approach with a focus on delivering exceptional service.
Conflict resolution: Ability to handle conflicts and resolve issues in a professional manner.
Attention to detail: Keen attention to detail to ensure quality control and accuracy in bakery operations.
Emotional intelligence: Empathy, self-awareness, and the ability to manage emotions in a professional setting.

Conclusion

A Bakery Manager plays a vital role in overseeing the operations of a bakery. They possess a combination of technical skills related to baking, inventory management, and financial acumen, as well as essential soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem-solving. By fulfilling their main responsibilities and leveraging these skills, Bakery Managers contribute to the success and profitability of the bakery while ensuring customer satisfaction and maintaining high-quality standards.