Bakery Lead (2nd Shift)

Job Description

Are you someone others naturally turn to for guidance and support?

• Do you enjoy helping your team achieve production goals while maintaining high quality standards?
• Are you energized by solving problems and keeping operations running smoothly?
• Do you lead by example and take pride in creating a safe, productive work environment?

If so, Palermo's Pizza may have the opportunity you've been looking for.

At Palermo's, we're passionate about creating great food and building a great place to work. As a family-owned company, we combine innovation, teamwork, and a commitment to excellence in everything we do.

As a Bakery Lead, you'll play a key role in supporting bakery operations by coordinating daily activities, coaching team members, and helping ensure production goals are achieved safely and efficiently. You'll serve as a trusted resource on the line while gaining valuable leadership experience and contributing to Palermo's continued success.

• Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits package
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and floating holidays
• Opportunities for career growth and leadership development
• Exposure to continuous improvement initiatives
• 20 free pizzas per month!
• A collaborative culture focused on teamwork and support

This role is based in our West Milwaukee bakery facility.

As a Bakery Lead, you'll spend the majority of your time on the production floor supporting associates, coordinating daily activities, and helping the team achieve production goals.

This is a 2nd shift opportunity. Candidates should be flexible and available to work overtime as needed to support production demands and business needs.

As a Bakery Lead, you will serve as a hands-on leader responsible for supporting daily bakery operations and ensuring production activities are executed safely, efficiently, and in accordance with quality expectations.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinating activities on assigned bakery lines to support production schedules
• Troubleshooting operational issues related to quality, output, and efficiency
• Providing day-to-day guidance and support to bakery associates
• Assisting with onboarding and training activities
• Monitoring material usage and communicating concerns appropriately
• Promoting adherence to food safety, GMP, and safety standards
• Completing and verifying production documentation
• Participating in RedZone huddles and continuous improvement initiatives
• Escalating concerns related to safety, equipment, staffing, or production performance

You lead through influence rather than authority.

You enjoy helping others succeed and take pride in being someone your team can rely on. You communicate effectively, remain calm under pressure, and are willing to step in wherever needed to support the operation.

You thrive when you can:

• Solve problems quickly and effectively
• Support and coach others
• Lead by example
• Keep operations moving efficiently
• Foster teamwork and collaboration
• Identify opportunities for improvement

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED
• Two or more years of manufacturing experience, preferably within bakery or food production
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate work activities and support others in achieving production goals
• Basic math, reading, and problem-solving skills
• Basic computer proficiency

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous lead experience within a manufacturing environment
• Frozen food manufacturing experience
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish
• PIT certification or ability to obtain certification
• Knowledge of GMPs, PPE requirements, and food safety expectations

A successful Bakery Lead:

• Supports the team in consistently achieving production goals
• Leads by example and fosters a positive work environment
• Communicates effectively and escalates concerns appropriately
• Coaches and trains others to perform work safely and efficiently
• Demonstrates accountability and adaptability in a fast-paced environment
• Contributes to continuous improvement efforts that enhance operational performance