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