Store Operations Manager (GM)

Insomnia Cookies•Evanston, IL

2d•$50,000 - $60,000

About The Position

Insomnia Cookies is seeking a hands-on Bakery Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day operations of a bakery, build and develop a strong team, create an exceptional guest experience, and own business results. The manager sets standards for the team, guest service, product quality, and performance while actively working alongside the team, particularly during busy and late-night periods. The role is responsible for operational execution, including staffing and scheduling, cookie quality, speed, accuracy, cleanliness, food safety, ordering, inventory, product rotation, shrink, and other bakery controls. The manager hires, onboards, coaches, and develops Shift Leaders, Cookie Crew, and Delivery Drivers; establishes clear expectations and accountability; and develops future leaders. The manager tracks sales and key performance measures, identifies opportunities to improve results, partners with the District Manager and field leadership, and carries out local marketing activities. This position works in a fast-paced bakery environment and requires active participation in bakery operations, including performing essential team-member duties when needed. Managers work a minimum of 45 hours per week, with schedule flexibility for evenings, late nights, weekends, holidays, peak periods, and staffing needs. The role includes regular interaction with guests, exposure to oven heat, refrigerated areas, cleaning chemicals, and moderate noise. The listed salary range is $50,000–$60,000 per year, with an opportunity for a quarterly performance bonus.

Requirements

At least 3 years of management or leadership experience in restaurant, retail, hospitality, or another fast-paced customer-facing environment.
Availability for a schedule that reflects bakery needs, including 2–3 mid-to-late shifts during Thursday through Sunday.
Hands-on, player-coach leadership style and willingness to help wherever the team and business need support.
Track record of hiring, coaching, developing, and retaining teams.
Hospitality orientation and commitment to an exceptional guest experience.
Business acumen and ability to understand performance, set priorities, and act on goals.
Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
Comfort learning and using restaurant/retail technology and business systems.
Ability to obtain food safety certifications required for the location.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, including up to 8 hours during a shift.
Ability to frequently reach, bend, stoop, twist, kneel, and lift.
Ability to regularly lift, carry, push, and pull up to 30 pounds and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds with assistance.
Ability to use hands and fingers to handle bakery equipment, food products, technology, and point-of-sale systems.
Ability to safely operate bakery and kitchen equipment according to company procedures.
Ability to work in varying temperatures, including near ovens, freezers, and refrigeration units.
Ability to read order screens, reports, recipes, schedules, and safety information.
Ability to communicate effectively with guests and team members in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions.
Ability to work nights and weekends.
Ability to work a minimum of 45 hours per week and a flexible schedule that includes evenings, late nights, weekends, and holidays as business needs require.

Responsibilities

Own the day-to-day bakery operation and ensure shifts are staffed, prepared, and set up for success.
Maintain standards for cookie quality, speed, accuracy, cleanliness, food safety, and bakery execution.
Own scheduling and labor execution, balancing team and business needs.
Manage ordering, inventory accuracy, product rotation, shrink, and other bakery controls.
Maintain operational routines and address gaps when standards are not met.
Create a welcoming, energetic guest experience that reflects the Always Warm promise.
Set hospitality standards and coach the team to deliver friendly, fast, memorable service.
Monitor the guest experience, identify opportunities to improve it, and take action when service falls short.
Hire, onboard, coach, and develop Shift Leaders, Cookie Crew, and Delivery Drivers.
Set clear expectations, recognize strong performance, support team members, and hold them accountable.
Provide consistent coaching and real-time feedback; develop Shift Leaders to lead shifts, coach teams, and solve problems.
Build a talent pipeline and create career-growth opportunities for team members.
Own bakery performance by monitoring sales and key performance measures and acting to achieve goals.
Identify business opportunities and translate them into action.
Lead with urgency, accountability, and consistency, especially during peak and late-night shifts.
Partner with the District Manager and field leadership to solve problems and improve bakery operations.
Build local community connections and execute local marketing activities that increase awareness, traffic, and sales.
Remain actively engaged in bakery operations and perform essential bakery team-member duties when needed.