Nova Era Bakery is a well-established bakery and pastry company serving communities across Ontario with traditional breads, pastries, cakes, tarts, coffee and other bakery products.

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Retail Bakery Manager to lead the daily operations of our Kitchener location. This position is responsible for the overall performance of the store, including team leadership, customer experience, product quality, food safety, inventory, cash controls, labour management, waste reduction and operational compliance.

The ideal candidate combines strong retail management skills with practical knowledge of bakery operations and is comfortable working directly with the team during busy periods.

Key Responsibilities

Store Operations & Performance

- Manage the day-to-day operations of the Kitchener bakery and ensure the location consistently meets Nova Era operational standards.
- Ensure proper opening, closing and shift procedures.
- Monitor product availability, freshness, quality and presentation throughout the day.
- Coordinate bakery and front-of-house activities to maintain effective workflow.
- Identify operational issues and implement corrective actions.
- Support the team directly during high-volume periods, staffing shortages and other operational needs.
- Monitor store performance and recommend improvements related to productivity, customer service and operational efficiency.

Team Leadership & Scheduling

- Lead, supervise, coach and motivate bakery and retail employees.
- Prepare and manage employee schedules according to business volume and staffing requirements.
- Ensure appropriate coverage while controlling unnecessary labour costs and overtime.
- Participate in recruitment, selection, onboarding and training of store employees in partnership with Human Resources.
- Train employees on job duties, customer service, food safety, equipment use and company policies.
- Monitor employee performance, attendance, conduct and workplace expectations.
- Complete employee evaluations and provide ongoing performance feedback.
- Escalate employee relations, disciplinary and performance matters to Human Resources when appropriate.
- Build a professional, respectful and accountable team environment.

Customer Service & Sales

- Ensure customers receive professional, efficient and friendly service.
- Monitor the overall customer experience and service standards.
- Address and resolve customer complaints professionally and in accordance with company policies.




- Identify recurring customer issues, determine root causes and implement corrective actions.
- Manage and coordinate special customer orders.
- Support initiatives that improve sales, customer retention and store performance.

Bakery Operations & Product Quality

- Maintain strong knowledge of bakery products, production methods and equipment.
- Monitor product quality and ensure products meet Nova Era standards.
- Ensure recipes, portion standards, freshness requirements and product presentation are consistently followed.
- Coordinate bread, pastry and other bakery requirements according to customer demand.
- Assist with bakery operations when operationally necessary.
- Ensure bakery equipment is properly used and operational issues are promptly reported.

Food Safety, Sanitation & Health & Safety

- Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, sanitation standards and company procedures.
- Enforce FIFO, expiry-date controls and proper product storage.
- Maintain cleaning and sanitation schedules and checklists.
- Ensure the store remains clean, organized and inspection-ready.
- Monitor workplace Health & Safety requirements and promptly report hazards, incidents or unsafe conditions.
- Ensure employees follow appropriate hygiene, food-handling and safety practices.

Inventory, Ordering & Waste Control

- Monitor inventory levels and ensure adequate product and supply availability.
- Prepare and place orders based on operational requirements.
- Verify deliveries, quantities, expiry dates and product condition.
- Ensure products and supplies are stored correctly.
- Conduct regular and accurate inventories.
- Identify shortages, discrepancies and inventory issues.
- Monitor and control waste and communicate significant trends.
- Implement measures to reduce unnecessary waste and product loss.

Cash, POS & Financial Controls

- Oversee daily cash handling, POS procedures and deposits.
- Ensure cash reconciliation and financial controls are completed accurately.
- Approve voids, refunds and corrections according to company procedures.
- Investigate and immediately report cash or transaction discrepancies.




- Maintain accurate operational and financial documentation.
- Support management with information related to store expenses, labour costs, sales and operational performance.

Reporting & Compliance

- Prepare and submit required reports related to staffing, operations, inventory, waste, maintenance and other store activities.
- Maintain accurate operational records and documentation.
- Communicate significant operational issues to the Retail Lead, Human Resources or Head Office.
- Ensure employees comply with company policies, procedures and operational standards.
- Maintain confidentiality of employee, customer and company information.
- Ensure consistent standards for quality, service, cash control, waste management and documentation.

Requirements

- Minimum 3–5 years of experience in retail, bakery, food service or similar operations, with previous supervisory or management experience strongly preferred.
- Previous experience in a bakery, café, grocery, restaurant or food retail environment is a strong asset.
- Strong understanding of bakery operations and product quality standards.
- Experience managing employees, scheduling, training and performance.
- Experience with inventory management, ordering and waste control.
- Experience with POS systems, cash reconciliation and deposits.
- Strong understanding of food safety, sanitation and workplace safety requirements.
- Food Handler/Food Safety Certification required or ability to obtain.
- Smart Serve considered an asset where applicable.
- First Aid & CPR considered an asset.
- Solid computer skills and ability to work with scheduling, reporting and company systems.
- Strong leadership, communication, organization and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and make operational decisions.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced customer-facing environment.
- English required; Portuguese is considered a strong asset.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

The manager must be comfortable working in a bakery environment and moving between customer service, production, storage and other operational areas.

Pay: $25.00-$27.00 per hour

Expected hours: 44.0 per week

Benefits:

- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Store discount
- Vision care

Experience:

- Bakery: 1 year (required)
- Food management: 1 year (required)

Work Location: In person

📌 Retail Bakery Manager – Kitchener (King East)
🏢 Nova era bakery
📍 King East