Bakery & Bookstore Manager

Job Summary:

The Bakery & Bookstore Manager is responsible for leading the daily operations of our combined bakery and retail space, ensuring the production of high-quality baked goods alongside an exceptional customer experience. This role blends culinary expertise, retail management, and business acumen, overseeing everything from recipe consistency, inventory management, and merchandising to staff development, customer service excellence, and brand integrity. This individual is passionate about both food and books, fostering a welcoming environment where customers can enjoy delicious treats while discovering their next favorite read.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• • Yes.

  
  

Duties & Responsibilities:

• • Oversee part of the daily production of all baked goods, ensuring products meet company standards for taste, appearance, and freshness.

• • Monitor inventory levels of ingredients, packaging, and bookstore stock; place orders with vendors to maintain appropriate levels without excessive waste.

• • Manage the department's budget, control labor costs, and monitor sales trends for both bakery and bookstore to optimize overall profitability.

• • Ensure strict adherence to all federal, state, and local health, food safety, and retail regulations, including maintaining clean, safe, and organized spaces.

• • Resolve customer inquiries or complaints promptly and maintain a welcoming environment for all patrons.

• • Collaborate with the owner to develop and test new recipes, seasonal bakery offerings, and bookstore promotions or featured collections.

• • Oversee bookstore merchandising, including arranging displays, organizing book categories, and updating promotional signage.

• • Coordinate author events, book signings, reading sessions, and other community engagement activities in the bookstore space.

• • Track book sales trends, recommend new titles, and manage inventory turnover to keep the bookstore fresh and appealing.

• • Support cross-promotions between bakery and bookstore offerings, such as pairing special baked goods with featured books.

• • Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Abilities:

• • Strong leadership and team-building capabilities.

• • Extensive knowledge of commercial baking techniques, including mixing, scaling, proofing, and finishing.

• • Excellent organizational and multitasking skills.

• • Ability to work independently.

• • Proficiency in basic financial management and inventory software, Xero Software experience a plus.

• • Strong communication skills for interacting with staff, vendors, and customers.

Education & Experience:

• • High school diploma or equivalent required; degree in Culinary Arts or Business Management preferred.

• • Minimum of 3–5 years of professional experience in a bakery and retail  environment.

• • Proven experience in a supervisory or management role within the food service industry.

• • Current Food Safety Manager Certification.

Physical Requirements:

• • Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods while preparing products.

• • Ability to move throughout the bakery to oversee production and assist customers.

• • Frequently operates commercial kitchen equipment and handles hot items/ovens safely.

• • Ability to frequently lift 50 pounds.

Other Requirements:

• • Ability to work in an environment with fluctuating temperatures (e.g., near ovens or walk-in coolers).