Institutional Bakery Manager

Position Title: Institutional Bakery Manager

Take the lead in launching a brand-new, large-scale bakery operation built for serious production and long-term growth. A rapidly expanding, family-owned food manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Institutional Bakery Manager to oversee bakery operations at its new facility in West Burlington, Iowa. This leader will oversee production of approximately half a million pizza crusts per week while building and developing a team across three shifts, improving efficiency, reducing waste, and establishing processes within a newly built operation

This is a hands-on leadership opportunity for someone who knows large-scale commercial baking inside and out and wants the autonomy to help shape an operation from the ground up. The ideal candidate brings 10 years of institutional or commercial baking experience, proven people leadership, and a strong track record of driving production efficiency in high-volume environments

Salary Range: $115,000 - $140,000 / Year, DOE

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day bakery operations across three shifts, ultimately overseeing approximately 50–70 employees
• Partner with line supervisors and leadership to recruit, train, coach, and develop a high-performing production team
• Oversee high-volume production of approximately 500,000 pizza crusts per week while maintaining quality and consistency
• Manage production schedules, staffing levels, workflow and operational priorities to meet production goals
• Monitor waste, throughput, and efficiency while identifying opportunities to improve processes and overall performance
• Help establish operational procedures, workflows and team standards within a newly built production facility
• Support the successful implementation and operation of new bakery equipment while troubleshooting production challenges
• Build strong relationships across the organization and confidently discuss bakery operations, processes, and products with clients when needed
  
  

Requirements

• 10 years of experience in commercial, institutional or large-scale bakery operations
• At least 3 years of management experience overseeing teams in high-volume bread, pizza or similar baked goods production
• Strong knowledge of production efficiency, waste reduction, staffing, and operational performance
• Demonstrated ability to lead, coach and motivate teams across a fast-paced production environment
• Experience launching, scaling or improving bakery operations strongly valued
• Comfortable using Microsoft 365, SharePoint and other technology required to manage production and communication
• Degree not required; relevant hands-on industry experience is prioritized, with a food science degree considered a plus
• Experience with gluten-free baking technologies, processes, or product innovation is highly preferred
• Strong problem-solving mindset with the initiative to innovate rather than rely solely on established processes
• Reliable, adaptable, and comfortable taking ownership in an entrepreneurial, family-owned environment
  
  

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• HSA-eligible medical plan
• 401(k) eligibility after 60 days
• Annual profit-sharing contribution
• Paid time off and vacation benefits
• Six paid holidays
• Relocation assistance, including moving-company expenses plus approximately $5,000 toward additional relocation costs
  
  

If you are an experienced commercial bakery leader who knows how to build teams, improve production, and turn a new operation into a high-performing facility, apply today!