Bakery Operations Manager

Job Summary Job Summary The Bakery Operations Manager leads daily bakery production while championing technical excellence, consistent product quality, and operational efficiency. This role blends hands‑on baking expertise with people leadership, process optimization, food‑safety compliance, and equipment oversight. Key Responsibilities Operations Management Oversee day‑to‑day bakery production, ensuring product quality, consistency, and volume targets. Develop and manage production schedules to meet demand while minimizing waste. Monitor workflow performance and implement continuous improvements. Technical & Process Oversight Standardize recipes, procedures, and baking methods to ensure repeatable results. Optimize end‑to‑end baking processes (mixing, proofing, baking, cooling, packaging). Troubleshoot production issues related to dough development, fermentation, equipment performance, or ingredient variability. Develop and maintain a comprehensive technical playbook detailing troubleshooting approaches and critical control points. Evaluate and introduce new technologies, automation, and production techniques as appropriate. Partner with R&D and QA to define processing standards for target product attributes. Quality Control & Food Safety Ensure compliance with food‑safety regulations and programs (HACCP, FDA, local health codes). Maintain standards for product consistency, flavor, texture, and appearance. Conduct routine quality checks, internal audits, corrective actions. Educate QA team on defect root causes and remedies. Team Leadership Supervise, train, mentor bakery staff and production teams. Serve as technical bakery expert, guiding on ingredient functionality, processing methods, troubleshooting. Set performance expectations, provide coaching and feedback. Foster a safe, collaborative work environment. Equipment & Maintenance Oversee operation and upkeep of bakery equipment (ovens, mixers, proofers, etc.). Coordinate preventive maintenance and repairs to reduce downtime. Recommend equipment upgrades or replacements. Inventory & Cost Management Manage inventories of raw materials, ingredients, and packaging supplies. Control costs, reduce waste, improve margins. Partner with procurement for ingredient quality and cost. Product Development Collaborate with R&D and culinary teams to develop formulations, processing parameters. Scale formulas from bench‑top or small‑batch trials to full‑scale production. Define and communicate processing guidelines based on plant capabilities. Qualifications Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Bakery Science, or related discipline (preferred). Five or more years of bakery production experience, including leadership responsibilities. Experience in commercial or industrial bakery operations. Technical Skills Strong knowledge of baking science (fermentation, dough handling, ingredient functionality), with broad ingredient knowledge and expertise in grain‑based applications. Expert understanding of how process conditions and formulation choices interact to drive product performance. Familiarity with automated production systems and commercial bakery equipment. Working knowledge of food‑safety standards and programs (HACCP, GMP). Leadership & Soft Skills Ability to train and transfer technical knowledge to plant Operations and QA teams. Ability to analyze technical challenges and develop practical, creative, and effective solutions. Strong leadership and team management abilities. Problem‑solving and process‑improvement mindset. Excellent organizational and communication skills. Working Conditions Fast‑paced, high‑volume production environment. Early morning, evening, and weekend shifts may be required. Exposure to heat, flour dust, and industrial equipment. Key Performance Indicators Product quality and consistency. Production efficiency and output. Waste reduction and cost control. Compliance with safety and regulatory standards. Compensation Salary range: $103,549.00 - $194,194.00. Actual compensation may vary based on job‑related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. All compensation is compliant with applicable local, state, and federal pay laws, including minimum salary thresholds. Benefits Health and disability insurance Retirement savings options Flexible spending accounts Employee assistance programs Educational assistance Parental leave Paid time off Company‑paid holidays EEO Statement C.H. Guenther & Son and its subsidiaries are E‑Verify participating employers. All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of the pre‑employment screening process which includes a drug screen and review of criminal background and other records as required. AA/EEO/Drug‑Free Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr