SUMMARY:

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.
Job Description:

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• High School Education or equivalent combination of education and experience
• At least five 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)

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.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• High School Education or equivalent combination of education and experience
• At least five 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

The physical demands and work environment described below are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• 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 floo