General Manager – Magnolia Bakery NuLu (Opening Team)

General Manager – Magnolia Bakery NuLu Louisville, Kentucky POSITION SUMMARY The General Manager is responsible for leading all aspects of bakery operations while delivering an exceptional guest experience that reflects the warmth, hospitality, and quality of the Magnolia Bakery brand. This role requires a hands on leader who can inspire, motivate, and develop a high performing team while driving operational excellence, profitability, and consistency across both front and back of house operations. The General Manager operates the bakery with a strong sense of ownership and accountability, ensuring every guest interaction, product presentation, and operational process reflects Magnolia Bakery standards. This individual will foster a positive, team oriented culture while balancing the fast paced demands of a growing business. This is an exciting opportunity to join Magnolia Bakery as we launch our first Louisville location in NuLu. We are seeking a passionate leader who is excited to help build the bakery from the ground up and grow with us as we expand our presence in the region. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Leadership & Team Development: • Lead, coach, and develop a team of managers, bakers, decorators, and retail associates in a high volume bakery environment • Create a culture rooted in hospitality, teamwork, accountability, and positivity • Recruit, interview, hire, onboard, and retain top talent • Conduct regular performance reviews, coaching conversations, and development planning for team members • Provide clear direction, communication, and support to drive operational success across all shifts • Lead by example through professionalism, strong work ethic, and guest focused leadership • Foster a safe, respectful, inclusive, and team oriented workplace environment Operations Management: • Oversee all daily bakery and retail operations to ensure smooth, efficient, and consistent execution • Ensure all Magnolia Bakery recipes, product standards, merchandising standards, and operational procedures are consistently upheld • Monitor staffing levels, labor scheduling, and shift coverage to support business needs while maintaining labor targets • Partner closely with bakery production teams to manage product freshness, inventory levels, and production planning • Oversee opening and closing procedures, cash handling, deposits, payroll, and financial reporting • Maintain labor, food, and controllable costs within company targets while maximizing profitability • Analyze sales trends, operational performance, and guest feedback to identify opportunities for improvement and growth • Troubleshoot operational and guest service challenges with urgency, professionalism, and sound decision making Guest Experience & Brand Standards: • Deliver exceptional hospitality and ensure every guest receives a warm, personalized experience • Serve as a brand ambassador for Magnolia Bakery within the Louisville community • Ensure bakery presentation, cleanliness, visual merchandising, and the overall guest environment consistently reflect Magnolia Bakery standards • Address guest concerns proactively and professionally to create positive resolutions and long term loyalty • Support local marketing initiatives, community partnerships, events, and brand activations as needed Food Safety & Compliance: • Uphold all food safety, sanitation, health department, and workplace safety standards • Ensure compliance with company policies, local regulations, and Kentucky labor laws • Maintain accurate payroll processing and scheduling practices in accordance with company standards • Oversee proper equipment operation, maintenance, and cleanliness throughout the bakery • Reinforce ongoing food safety and operational training for all employees Hands On Leadership: • Jump into daily operations as needed, including guest service, production support, baking, decorating, stocking, or operational support during peak business periods • Maintain a strong and visible floor presence while supporting the team during high volume periods, holidays, and special events • Lead with a “one team” mentality and foster a collaborative environment across both front and back of house operations QUALIFICATIONS: • 3 - 5+ years of General Management experience in food service, hospitality, retail, or specialty bakery environments • Experience leading teams of 20+ employees in a fast paced environment • Strong leadership, coaching, and people development skills • Proven ability to drive sales, profitability, and operational performance • Strong organizational, problem solving, and decision making abilities • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills • Passion for hospitality, team culture, and guest experience • Ability to multitask and thrive in a dynamic, high energy environment • Intermediate computer proficiency including Microsoft Office, POS systems, scheduling platforms, and payroll systems • Food Safety Certification required or ability to obtain upon hire Preferred Qualifications • Experience in bakery, café, dessert, or specialty food environments preferred • Multi unit or high volume operational experience is a plus • Experience opening new locations or scaling teams preferred PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT: • Ability to stand and walk for extended periods of time • Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds occasionally • Frequent bending, reaching, twisting, and repetitive motions • Ability to work in both front and back of house environments, including refrigerated and warm kitchen areas • Requires manual dexterity to safely operate bakery and retail equipment • Continuous communication with guests, team members, and leadership throughout shifts SCHEDULE EXPECTATIONS: This is a full time, exempt leadership position. Flexibility is required, including availability for mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and special events as business needs dictate. Typical schedule will range from 45 to 55 hours per week across five days. REPORTS TO: Franchise Owner WHAT WE OFFER • Competitive salary and benefits package • Opportunities for growth within a globally recognized brand • A collaborative and creative environment where your skills and ideas make an impact • The opportunity to carry forward Magnolia Bakery’s tradition of bringing joy through desserts • The chance to join at the ground level of Magnolia Bakery’s expansion into the Louisville market and grow with us as we build our presence in the region WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE • A highly engaged, well trained, and motivated team • Exceptional guest experiences and a strong community reputation • Consistent execution of Magnolia Bakery brand standards • Strong operational organization and financial performance • A clean, safe, and welcoming bakery environment • A culture where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to grow Pay: $50,000.00 - $60,000.00 per year Benefits: • Employee discount • Paid time off • Paid training Work Location: In person