General Manager (Chicago)

Magnolia Operating LLC•New York, NY

3d•$70,000 - $100,000•Onsite

About The Position

The General Manager leads the team with a unique ability to direct, motivate and develop their managers and staff, ensuring the highest quality food and service, building a team that promotes the Magnolia brand while providing an exceptional customer experience and drives store performance. The GM operates their store with complete personal accountability. Founded in New York City’s West Village in 1996, Magnolia Bakery is known worldwide for its classic American baked goods, warm hospitality, and iconic desserts. Today, the brand operates locations across major U.S. cities, offers nationwide delivery, and continues to grow internationally through strategic expansion and franchising, bringing its signature bakery experience to new communities while preserving the charm and quality that made it famous. The General Manager is responsible for the overall success of the bakery by leading and developing a high-performing team, delivering exceptional guest experiences, driving operational excellence, and achieving financial results. This leader builds a culture rooted in service, teamwork, innovation, and wholehearted leadership while coaching, recognizing, and developing managers and team members to reach their full potential.

Requirements

3–5 years of experience leading retail or food service operations in a general management capacity.
Experience leading teams of 20 or more employees.
Demonstrated success developing leaders and promoting talent internally.
Food Safety Certification (or ability to obtain before training period ends).

Nice To Haves

Talent development and coaching, including managers
Performance management and accountability
Team building and succession planning
Decision-making, problem-solving, and change leadership
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, POS systems, and scheduling platforms
Experience with inventory management and operational systems
Knowledge of food safety standards and practices
Clear, effective verbal and written communication
Active listening and ability to provide constructive feedback
Strong guest service and relationship-building skills
Ability to collaborate effectively with team members, managers, and cross-functional partners
Ability to communicate expectations, priorities, and business goals with clarity

Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of managers and hourly team members by creating a culture of accountability, engagement, continuous learning, and growth.
Recruit, onboard, train, and retain talent while building a strong leadership pipeline through coaching, mentoring, succession planning, and opportunities for career growth and internal promotion.
Provide ongoing performance feedback, recognition, and development support while addressing performance concerns through fair and consistent accountability practices.
Model and reinforce the bakery’s SWEET Values by fostering an inclusive, collaborative environment where team members feel valued, empowered, and inspired to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
Partner with managers to ensure effective execution of training programs, operational standards, and new initiatives while promoting teamwork, operational excellence, and a guest-first mindset.
Oversee daily bakery operations, ensuring consistent execution of company standards, policies, procedures, and brand expectations.
Manage production schedules, inventory, and product quality to deliver fresh, high-quality products while minimizing waste.
Partner with BOH teams to ensure consistency in recipes, food safety, operational standards, and production execution. Partner with FOH team for guest service, product quality and food safety.
Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, health department, workplace safety, security, and applicable labor requirements.
Maintain a clean, safe, and inviting bakery environment by ensuring facilities, equipment, merchandising, and product displays meet brand standards.
Analyze business performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement action plans that drive sales, profitability, productivity, and exceptional guest experiences.
Own the bakery’s financial performance, including sales, profitability, labor costs, food costs, and controllable expenses.
Analyze financial reports and key performance indicators to make informed business decisions and drive improvement.
Ensure accurate cash handling, reporting, audits, inventory controls, and compliance with company financial standards.