Manager, Bakery - 1st Shift

Aspire Bakeries is a North American baking company with a leadership position in specialty frozen baked goods. Formed from leading bakery companies, its innovative food portfolio includes breads, artisan breads, buns, cookies, donuts, muffins and pastries from beloved brands like La Brea Bakery,Otis Spunkmeyer, andOakrun Farm Bakery. With 13 bakeries in North America, we are committed to driving innovation, predicting upcoming consumer trends and flavors, and exceeding our customers' expectations. Aspire Bakeries champions the values of Integrity, Ownership, Customer Focus, Creativity and Care to help us deliver on People Safety, Food Safety, Quality and Collaboration.

The bakery manager is responsible for overseeing all technical aspects of bakery production operations, ensuring product quality, food safety compliance, and process optimization. This role combines technical expertise in baking science with leadership skills to drive operational excellence and continuous improvement across the production facility.

Responsibilites:

• Oversee daily bakery production operations to ensure consistent product quality, yield, and efficiency
• Develop and maintain product specifications, formulations, and standard operating procedures
• Conduct regular quality audits and implement corrective actions to address any deviations
• Monitor production metrics including waste, efficiency, and throughput to identify improvement opportunities
• Trouble shoot technical issues related to ingredients, equipment, or processes respond to alarms in the operating systems and equipment
• Ensure full compliance with food safety regulations, HACCP principles, and relevant certifications (FDA, USDA, BRC, etc.)
• Lead internal audits and support external third-party audits
• Maintain and update food safety documentation, including CCPs, GMPs, and SOPs
• Train production staff on food safety protocols, technical standard, process standards and quality standards
• Manage allergen control programs and sanitation procedures
• Collaborate with R&D teams to scale new product formulations from pilot to full production
• Optimize existing recipes for cost efficiency while maintaining quality standards
• Evaluate new ingredients, equipment, and technologies to enhance production capabilities
• Conduct trials and document results to validate process changes
• Oversee preventive maintenance programs for bakery equipment (ovens, mixers, proofers, etc.)
• Identify opportunities for automation and equipment upgrades to improve efficiency
• Work with engineering teams on equipment installations, modifications, and troubleshooting
• Optimize baking parameters including time, temperature, humidity, and mixing specifications
• Lead and develop a team of production supervisors, quality technicians, and line staff
• Create and deliver technical training programs on baking science, equipment operation, and quality standards
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and technical excellence
• Support career development for team members

• Collaborate with procurement teams on ingredient specifications and vendor qualifications
• Evaluate ingredient suppliers and conduct vendor audits as needed
• Manage raw material quality issues and work with suppliers on resolutions
• Support cost reduction initiatives through ingredient optimization

Knowlegde/Skills

• Deep understanding of baking science, including dough rheology, fermentation, and ingredient functionality
• Proficiency in statistical process control and quality management tools
• Knowledge of food safety regulations and quality standards
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Proven leadership and team management experience
• Excellent communication skills with ability to explain technical concepts to diverse audiences
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Ability to work cross-functionally with operations, R&D, quality, and supply chain teams
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to excellence

Education:

• Bachelor's degree preferred in food science, Baking Science, Food Technology, or related field
• 5+ years of experience in bakery production or food manufacturing, with at least 2 years in technical or management role
• Strong knowledge of commercial baking processes, equipment, and ingredients
• Experience with food safety management systems (HACCP, GFSI standards)

Experience:

• Certifications such as PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual), SQF Practitioner, or Certified Food Scientist
• Experience with lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
• Knowledge of automated bakery systems

Travel

• Minimal to 5%

Aspire Bakeries is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.