Bakery Manager
Job Description
The Opportunity
Your bakery experience can open the door to more than another production role. This opportunity is designed for a skilled bakery professional who is ready to have greater responsibility, influence, and recognition within a high-performing New Zealand retail environment.
We are seeking a Bakery Manager for a well-established bakery operation in Taranaki. The position offers the opportunity to take ownership of bakery performance, develop a capable team, influence product direction, and help shape a department around quality, consistency, and customer expectations.
Whether you are already managing a bakery or are an experienced Baker or Senior Baker preparing for your first management role, your practical skills, leadership ability, and professional experience will be central to your success.
For suitably qualified overseas professionals, employer sponsorship is available. Candidates will be considered based on their genuine experience, capabilities, and suitability for the role, creating an opportunity to turn established bakery expertise into a long-term career in New Zealand.
Key Responsibilities
- Take ownership of the bakery department's daily performance and operations
- Lead bakery production while maintaining consistent quality and availability
- Coordinate production schedules according to customer demand and trading requirements
- Use your bakery expertise to maintain high standards across products, preparation, and presentation
- Identify opportunities for new products, recipes, and improved bakery offerings
- Encourage innovation and bring fresh ideas to the department
- Lead, train, coach, and develop bakery team members
- Build a positive, productive, and accountable team culture
- Provide hands-on leadership and support during daily bakery operations
- Monitor stock levels, ordering, product availability, and waste
- Manage resources effectively to support department profitability
- Assist with labour planning and ensure efficient use of team resources
- Maintain high standards of food safety, hygiene, and workplace safety
- Monitor bakery presentation and ensure products meet customer expectations
- Respond to customer needs and use feedback to improve the bakery offering
- Identify operational challenges and implement practical improvements
- Work with wider store leadership to achieve department and business objectives
- Maintain accurate and consistent bakery processes and standards
- Contribute to the continued growth and development of the bakery department
Requirements & Eligibility
- Demonstrated professional experience in baking
- Experience in a supermarket, retail bakery, commercial bakery, or comparable production environment
- Strong practical knowledge of bakery production and preparation
- Experience leading or supervising a bakery team is advantageous
- Experienced Bakers and Senior Bakers ready to progress into management are encouraged to apply
- Existing Bakery Managers seeking a new professional challenge are welcome
- Strong understanding of product quality, freshness, presentation, and consistency
- Ability to contribute ideas for product development and bakery innovation
- Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop team members
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Excellent organisation and time-management skills
- Commercial awareness and understanding of stock, waste, and labour control
- Hands-on attitude and willingness to be actively involved in bakery operations
- Strong commitment to customer service and product excellence
- Understanding of food safety, hygiene, and workplace health and safety requirements
- Ability to adapt to a busy retail bakery environment
- Willingness and ability to relocate to Taranaki, New Zealand
Special Instructions
Overseas candidates with suitable qualifications and experience may be considered for employer sponsorship.
Sponsorship & Employer Details
Location: Stratford, Taranaki, New Zealand
Status: Accredited Employer (NZ)