Retail Operations Manager

Company Description

****Company undisclosed****

A family-owned bakery in downtown Antioch, Illinois, with roots in a multi-generational baking tradition dating back to 1930.

The company specializes in gourmet baked goods, especially award-winning custom cakes for weddings and special occasions, and offers private consultations. Their menu includes over 800 items like cookies, pastries, donuts, breads, and tortes, along with a full-service café serving breakfast, lunch, coffee, sandwiches, and soups.

The business operates out of a large 43,000-square-foot flagship location, which serves as both a bakery production hub and a co-packing facility for CPG clients.

Position Overview

We are seeking a hands-on Retail Operations Manager to oversee daily operations across two bakery retail locations while supporting coordination with back-of-house production. This role is responsible for driving sales, ensuring exceptional customer experience, maintaining operational consistency, and aligning retail demand with production output.

This is an on-the-floor leadership role ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced food environment and is comfortable balancing people management, inventory, and process improvement.

This is a pivotal leadership role and sits on the leadership team that is responsible for making high-impact decisions that directly drive the company's planned growth.

Key ResponsibilitiesRetail Operations (Primary Focus)

• Oversee day-to-day operations of two bakery retail locations
• Ensure consistent execution of customer experience, product quality, and brand standards
• Monitor sales performance, labor costs, and key retail KPIs
• Manage store opening/closing procedures and ensure operational readiness
• Resolve customer issues quickly and professionally
• Manage decor and trends of the two stores

Team Leadership

• Hire, train, and develop retail staff across both locations
• Create and manage staff schedules to optimize labor efficiency
• Hold team accountable to performance, cleanliness, and service standards
• Build a strong culture of accountability, urgency, and hospitality

Inventory & Product Flow

• Manage retail inventory levels and minimize waste
• Coordinate with production team to ensure proper product mix and availability
• Forecast demand based on trends, seasonality, and promotions
• Maintain accurate ordering and inventory systems

Back-of-House Coordination

• Act as the bridge between retail and production teams
• Assist with light production planning and prioritization as needed
• Step into production support when required (especially during peak periods)
• Ensure retail feedback is communicated to improve product offerings

Operational Excellence

• Implement and improve systems, processes, and SOPs
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and food handling standards (e.g., SQF if applicable)
• Maintain cleanliness, organization, and efficiency across both locations
• Identify opportunities to improve margins and streamline operations

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in retail, food service, or bakery operations
• Experience managing multiple locations or teams strongly preferred
• Strong leadership and team development skills
• Highly organized with attention to detail and follow-through
• Comfortable working early mornings, weekends, and holidays as needed
• Ability to step into both customer-facing and production environments
• HUGE PLUS if you have experience with SQF

Key Traits for Success

• Ownership mindset — treats the business like it’s their own
• Strong sense of urgency and accountability
• Problem-solver who can operate without constant direction
• Balances people leadership with operational discipline
• Comfortable in a fast-paced, sometimes chaotic environment

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive Salary
• Performance-based bonus tied to store metrics and KPIs
• PTO and employee discounts
• Growth opportunity into multi-unit or general management
• Retirement Account
• Health Benefits

Why This Role Matters

This position is critical to ensuring our retail locations run smoothly, profitably, and consistently—while staying aligned with production capabilities. The right person will have a direct impact on customer experience, team culture, and overall business performance.

Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000 - $60,000