Deli and Bakery Manager

Bakery & Deli Manager

The Bakery & Deli Department Manager leads day-to-day operations of the Bakery and Deli departments. With the guidance of the Fresh Food Sr. Manager, this role is responsible for executing plans, maintaining department operations, and ensuring efficient logistical workflows across all assigned fresh areas. Acting as a hands-on leader, this role works side-by-side with Bakery and Deli associates to direct daily tasks, balance inventory and shrink, coordinate vendor orders, and keep teams aligned with operational priorities. The Bakery & Deli Manager also provides coverage and support for the Senior Fresh Foods Manager as needed.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide Leadership: Work alongside Bakery and Deli associates, giving clear direction, coaching on best practices, and reinforcing company expectations.
• Execute Daily Operations: Ensure Bakery and Deli departments are stocked, organized, and meeting operational goals by leading associates and overseeing workflow.
• Create & Manage Work Schedules: Develop and approve weekly schedules for both departments to ensure adequate staffing.
• Manage Inventory & Orders: Balance orders, food preparation and production, deliveries, and coordination with vendors to maintain proper inventory levels across bakery and deli.
• Deliver Outstanding Guest Service: Lead by example in assisting guests with bakery and deli orders, special requests, and product recommendations.
• Maintain a Smooth Workflow: Troubleshoot issues and adjust plans as needed to keep departments running efficiently.
• Ensure Department Readiness: Oversee sales floor and backstock conditions, product stocking, pricing accuracy, and merchandising execution, ensuring store standards are met.
• Leadership Coverage: Provide leadership coverage as needed when the Senior Manager is unavailable, supporting overall store functions.
• Ensure Food Safety & Compliance: Maintain required logs and verifications, ensuring full compliance with food safety regulations.
• Train and Mentor: Train and mentor Fresh Food associates, helping them expand their skills and gain experience, while fostering a positive, team-oriented environment.
• Collaborate Across Departments: Communicate with other store leaders and teams to ensure alignment and resolve operational challenges.
• Ensure Compliance & Safety: Uphold safety policies, company procedures, and regulatory standards to maintain a safe and efficient store environment.
• Operate & Maintain Equipment: Oversee the proper use of department equipment, including ovens, slicers, mixers, and scales.
• 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.

Qualifications:

• High School Education or equivalent combination of education and experience
• At least five years of grocery, deli, bakery, retail or restaurant experience preferred (with two years in a key leadership position)
• Thorough knowledge of the retail food business and perishable department operations
• Effective merchandising skills
• Ability to make timely and effective decisions
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with guests and associates
• Good oral and written communication skills and the ability to interact with a diverse team in a stressful environment
• Thorough understanding of all safety requirements and company safety policies
• Must possess the ability to apply on-the-job safety training to recognize and react to possible safety hazards on store premises. Also requires proper training and knowledge of the following equipment/procedures: Hand jack, slicers, baler, trash compactor, fryer, oven, grinders, mixers, blaster, chiller, and cook and holds
• Must have WI Certified Food Manager License (Festival will pay in order to get certified if not)

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• 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 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 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 equipment
• Working conditions consist of occasional exposure to extreme temperatures (20% of time)
• May be exposed to varying temperatures such as refrigerators, freezers, kitchen, sales floor

Work Schedule:

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

Benefits Overview

Why You'll Love It Here:

• Associate Discount: Enjoy an industry-leading 15% off your grocery purchases for you and your immediate household!
• Weekly Pay & Premium Pay: Hourly associates are paid weekly, providing more frequent access to their funds. Part-time store associates are paid a $1 premium per hour on Sundays and select holidays. Hourly full-time store associates receive time and a half on Sundays and select holidays.
• Two-Week Advanced Scheduling: Better Planning. Better Balance. We provide our associates with their schedules two weeks in advance, offering greater predictability & flexibility.
• Vision & Dental Insurance: Part-time and full-time associates are eligible for vision insurance and two dental coverage options that are designed to fit your needs.
• Support: Our associates receive support for their total well-being; including 3 weeks of paid parental leave, a fitness reimbursement program offering savings off of fitness membership fees; our EAP (Employee Assistance Program) and LEAPCare Care Coaches, which provide associates confidential care related to hospital visitation, conflict resolution, stress management, marriage or divorce, family issues and depression or anxiety.
• Save for Your Future: Offering a 401(k), we're proud to support our associates in planning for retirement. The 401(k) plan empowers associates to save a portion of their paychecks for retirement. Festival Foods has an annual discretionary match to help our associates reach their savings goals.