Deli and Bakery Manager

Festival Foods • Wausau, WI

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Bakery & Deli Department Manager leads the day-to-day operations of the Bakery and Deli departments, reporting to the Fresh Foods Sr. Manager and directly overseeing Bakery and Deli Assistant Managers and Associates. With guidance from the Fresh Foods Sr. Manager, the manager executes plans, maintains department operations, and ensures efficient logistical workflows across assigned fresh areas. This hands-on leadership role works alongside associates to direct daily tasks, balance inventory and shrink, coordinate vendor orders, and keep teams aligned with operational priorities. The manager also provides coverage and support for the Senior Fresh Foods Manager as needed.

This is a full-time position in Wausau, Wisconsin. The schedule includes mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Requirements

• High school education or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least five years of grocery, deli, bakery, retail, or restaurant experience is preferred, including two years in a key leadership position.
• Thorough knowledge of the retail food business and perishable department operations.
• Effective merchandising skills.
• Ability to make timely and effective decisions.
• Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with guests and associates.
• Good oral and written communication skills and ability to interact with a diverse team in a stressful environment.
• Thorough understanding of safety requirements and company safety policies.
• Ability to apply on-the-job safety training to recognize and respond to potential safety hazards on store premises.
• Training and knowledge in equipment and procedures including hand jacks, slicers, balers, trash compactors, fryers, ovens, grinders, mixers, blasters, chillers, and cook and holds.
• Must possess a Wisconsin Certified Food Manager License; Festival Foods will pay for certification if the associate is not already certified.
• Ability to stand for long periods, walk in the store, and bend, stoop, and kneel regularly (50% of the time).
• Fine finger and broad manual dexterity, and eye-hand-foot coordination to operate equipment.
• Full range of upper-body motion to occasionally lift stock and ability to perform repetitive tasks for prolonged periods.
• Functional sensory abilities to visually monitor the store, create displays, and operate equipment.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 60 pounds (20% of the time).
• Training and knowledge of power equipment that may include slicers, mixers, ovens, knives and cutters, pallet or power jacks, WAV, compactors, and balers.
• Ability to work with occasional exposure to extreme temperatures (20% of the time) and varying temperatures in refrigerators, freezers, kitchens, and sales floors.

Nice To Haves

• At least five years of grocery, deli, bakery, retail, or restaurant experience, including two years in a key leadership position (listed as preferred).

Responsibilities

• Work alongside Bakery and Deli associates, provide direction, coach on best practices, and reinforce company expectations.
• Lead daily operations to keep the departments stocked, organized, and meeting operational goals.
• Develop and approve weekly schedules for both departments to ensure adequate staffing.
• Balance orders, food preparation and production, deliveries, and vendor coordination to maintain appropriate inventory levels.
• Assist guests with bakery and deli orders and special requests, and offer product recommendations.
• Troubleshoot operational issues and adjust plans to maintain efficient workflows.
• Oversee sales floor and backstock conditions, stocking, pricing accuracy, merchandising, and store standards.
• Provide leadership coverage when the Senior Manager is unavailable and support overall store functions.
• Maintain required food safety logs and verifications and comply with food safety regulations.
• Train and mentor Fresh Food associates, build their skills, and foster a positive, team-oriented environment.
• Communicate and collaborate with other store leaders and teams to align operations and resolve challenges.
• Uphold safety policies, company procedures, and regulatory standards.
• Oversee proper use of department equipment, including ovens, slicers, mixers, and scales.
• Attend regularly and on time according to the work schedule, and provide adequate notice to find a replacement for occasional absences.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 15% associate discount on grocery purchases for the associate and immediate household.
• Weekly pay for hourly associates.
• Premium pay for hourly associates on Sundays and select holidays: part-time associates receive an additional $1 per hour; full-time associates receive time and a half.
• Schedules provided two weeks in advance.
• Vision insurance and two dental coverage options for part-time and full-time associates.
• Three weeks of paid parental leave.
• Fitness reimbursement program offering savings on fitness membership fees.
• Employee Assistance Program and LEAPCare Care Coaches, offering confidential support related to well-being and personal or family challenges.
• 401(k) plan with an annual discretionary company match.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: High school or GED