Part of a bakery manager's job is to bake bread, pastries and other grocery items.
Although a baker manager is responsible for preparing and displaying bakery items, they also perform the day-to-day operations that keep their bakery functioning. It is common for bakery managers to "wear many hats" and execute tasks ranging from employee development and budgeting, to sales management and workplace safety.
Function
Although bakery managers prepare baked goods, they are mainly responsible for the overall performance of the bakery department. In addition to managing the daily output and display of bakery products, bakery managers focus on reducing costs, hiring and training new employees, monitoring product quality and consistency, tracking inventory and managing the bakery's budget. Baker managers often work in stores or large supermarkets, and therefore must report their department's sales numbers, labor projects and productivity levels to upper management. Other bakery manager duties include delivering customer service, processing invoices, coordinating orders with outside vendors, and stocking shelves and cases with products.
Education
Candidates applying to baker manager positions should have a high school diploma and training in a small store or supermarket bakery. Bakers also start their careers by becoming an apprentice in a craft bakery. In addition, students can obtain a certificate in professional baking at a community college or technical school (See Resources).
Skills
It is important that bakery managers are detail-oriented and have good oral communication skills, as they often work in teams and with customers. Managers should be skilled in baking, icing and decorating goods, as well as displaying them in attractive cases and other containers that are in public view. As a manager, bakers need strong leadership and decision-making skills to supervise employees and make business decisions regarding staffing and cost control. Basic math and reading comprehension abilities are helpful for tracking inventory, calculating profit and reviewing sales.
Salary
According to a May 2010 report published by Indeed.com, the average salary for a baker manager in the United States was $41,000 per year. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) "Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition" states that wages for food processing professionals, including bakers, differ based on experience, education level and location. In May 2008, the BLS reports that the median salary for bakers was $23,290.
Potential
The job forecast is favorable for professionals who work in the food processing industry. The BLS projects that food processing jobs will increase 4% between 2008 and 2018 due to the need to replace workers exiting the workforce. Employers will also need to hire additional workers to produce more food for a growing population. However, previously manual tasks that have been automated by food processing machines in plants and distribution centers will slow job growth. Nevertheless, the BLS expects that the best job opportunities will be for professionals who are highly skilled and able to prepare handmade, specialty food products.
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