General Manager

General Manager

Fresh Baguette is a fast-growing, artisanal bakery known for its high-quality standards and modern atmosphere. The company was founded in Bethesda, MD in 2013, to bring fresh, made-from-scratch organic breads, pastries, sweets, and croissant items inspired by bakeries in France to the DMV area. We have expanded to nine retail locations, two production bakeries, and a thriving wholesale business. We serve coffee shops, restaurants, hotels, and grocery stores with fresh products every day, 365 days a year.

Our mission is to offer our customers unique moments of indulgence that are delicious to every sense. We are passionate about quality and take great pride in everything we do. This value is evident in everything we do, from the smell of scratch-made artisanal croissants and organic bread baking fresh throughout the day to the beauty of hand-crafted pastries, delicious coffee, and savory creations delivered in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced General Manager to oversee a bakery café location and lead teams to excellence. This full-time, salaried role is hands-on and people-focused, requiring a strong leader who can inspire teams, deliver outstanding customer experiences, and drive operational and financial success.

What We Offer

• A leadership role in a growing, values-driven company.
• Competitive compensation package: $80,000-$95,000 including bonus = Base salary $65,000–$75,000 per year and $10,000-$20,000 per year in additional bonus based on performance
• Paid Time Off to rest and recharge.
• Health & Dental Insurance - eligible after 90 days.
• 401(k) with Company Match to invest in your future.
• Monthly Wellness Reimbursement to support your well-being.
• 40% Employee Discount on all Fresh Baguette products.
• Free Lunch during shifts.
• Anniversary Gift Card to celebrate your milestones.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• A collaborative, supportive team culture where your impact is visible every day.

Key Responsibilities

Ownership & Accountability

They take full responsibility for their results and environment. Rather than waiting to be told, they step in, solve problems, and follow through. Their word can be trusted, and they naturally instill a sense of responsibility in their team.

• Take full responsibility for the bakery's overall performance, including sales, profitability, customer satisfaction, and team culture.
• Proactively identify and resolve challenges, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized environment that reflects Fresh Baguette's standards of excellence.

People Leadership & Development

They genuinely care about people and see leadership as a way to grow others. They coach, give feedback, and celebrate progress, building teams that are stronger, more motivated, and ready to step up. Their success is measured not just by results, but by how their people develop under them.

• Recruit, onboard, and retain top talent across roles including customer service associates, bakers, shift supervisors, and assistant managers.
• Actively coach, mentor, and develop team members to grow in their roles and take on greater responsibilities.
• Build strong team bonds by fostering respect, collaboration, and care among all employees.

Business Mindset & Operational Excellence

They think like business owners. Every decision is guided by improving customer experience, increasing sales, and ensuring efficient operations. They pay attention to details, track KPIs, and always look for ways to improve processes, quality, and profitability.

• Drive sales growth through local marketing initiatives, community engagement, and business development opportunities.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs), making data-driven decisions to drive growth.
• Optimize labor, inventory, and production planning to minimize waste and maximize output.
• Uphold Fresh Baguette's standards for product quality, consistency, and presentation.
• Partner with marketing to execute local initiatives that drive traffic, sales, and community engagement.

Adaptability & Autonomy

They thrive in change and can work independently without constant direction. They collaborate effectively at a distance, adjust quickly to new circumstances, and lead their team with resilience. Their curiosity and flexibility make them quick learners who adapt their approach as the business evolves.

• Lead daily bakery operations on the floor, ensuring smooth coordination between front-of-house and back-of-house teams.
• Adjust quickly to new circumstances, from customer needs to operational challenges.
• Take initiative and lead independently while maintaining strong communication with central leadership.
• Encourage agility and problem-solving within the team.

Service Orientation & Charismatic Presence

They love to serve others and create a welcoming atmosphere. With a natural smile and genuine warmth, they make customers and team members feel valued. Their charisma spreads enthusiasm and energy, inspiring people to enjoy the bakery experience and rally around shared goals. They view every interaction as a chance to delight, connect, and strengthen relationships.

• Lead by example on the bakery floor—welcoming customers with genuine warmth, delivering exceptional service, and inspiring enthusiasm through a charismatic presence.
• Set the tone for a service culture where every team member delights guests and builds loyalty.
• Ensure that customer interactions reflect the values of hospitality, friendliness, and care.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of management experience in hospitality, food service, or retail.
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment.
• Strong financial acumen with experience tracking and improving KPIs (sales, labor, food cost, waste, etc.).
• Knowledge of food safety standards and a commitment to maintaining compliance.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; warm, approachable, and able to inspire both staff and customers.
• Hands-on leadership style—comfortable jumping in to bake, prepare sandwiches, or serve guests when needed.
• High adaptability, resilience, and a proactive approach to problem solving.
• Physical Requirements: This role requires standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50lbs, and performing routine bending, reaching, and movement in a retail environment.
• Reliable vehicle and valid driver's license to allow regular travel between locations
• Fluent in English

Restaurant type:

• Bakery
• Café
• Coffee shop

Available Monday to Friday & Weekends

Work Location: Retail locations across Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia