Bakery Operational Specialist - Southern Utah in St George, Utah at Associated Food Stores, Inc

WHO ARE WE?

• We are a long-standing organization dedicated to supporting grocery retailers across the Intermountain West for over 80 years.
• Our company prioritizes our team members, their families, and the communities we serve.
• We proudly partner with local organizations to fundraise, donate, and sponsor various charitable activities and events.

WHY JOIN THE TEAM?

• Comprehensive Benefits: Health, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k), vacation, and sick leave for eligible team members. Some benefits have waiting periods (e.g., vacation accrual, 401(k), tuition reimbursement).
• Perks & Discounts: Team member perks and 10% off groceries.
• Flexible Work: Hybrid schedules available for select positions, combining in-office collaboration with remote flexibility.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Support for continued education.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for advancement within the company.
• Daily Pay: Access earned wages more frequently.

JOB SUMMARY

The Bakery Operational Specialist leads and motivates retail bakery department teams to meet operational and merchandising expectations. This role maximizes bakery department standards and operations by teaching proper baking, stocking, ordering, and merchandising techniques. The Bakery Operational Specialist contributes to the growth and development of the bakery department team members through training and coaching. The role involves traveling to assigned stores to visit department managers and teams, ensuring all department standards are met, and providing guidance to improve areas needing development.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure bakery department team members properly stock and merchandise the department to meet operational expectations.
• Teach and train department managers and team members on the skills and techniques necessary for the bakery department's success.
• Foster a service mindset among all bakery team members, demonstrating customer and servant leadership through friendly and courteous behavior.
• Audit and inspect backrooms, inventory, sales floors, and department paperwork, providing coaching and training to managers as needed.
• Monitor and ensure sales, margin, labor, shrinkage, and other metrics align with established budgets. Assist with inventory processes and management.
• Communicate with store managers and directors regarding bakery department performance, identifying areas of strength and opportunities for improvement.
• Assist with special projects, tasks, and other duties as required.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

• High School Diploma (some college preferred) with extensive knowledge of bakery operations and strong customer service skills. Willingness to learn.
• 3-5 years of retail and bakery department management experience (scratch baking experience required & cake decorating knowledge preferred).
• Strong leadership, service, and analytical skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving and organizational abilities.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks with attention to detail and quality, and meet deadlines.
• Proficient in retail computer systems, MS Word, and Excel (preferred).
• Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Travel required with overnight stays. Regular on-site attendance is required.
• Use of a personal vehicle for travel to retail locations.

Associated Food Stores is an equal-opportunity employer. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.