General Manager (Chicago)

Founded in New York City’s West Village in 1996, Magnolia Bakery is celebrated for its fresh-made classic American baked goods, warm hospitality, and iconic desserts. Today the brand operates locations across major U.S. cities, offers nationwide shipping, and continues to grow internationally through strategic franchising while preserving the neighborhood charm that made it famous.

About the role

The General Manager leads the team with accountability for the bakery’s overall success, driving operational excellence, financial performance, and an exceptional guest experience. This leader builds a culture rooted in Magnolia’s SWEET Values—Service, Wholehearted, Enterprising, Extraordinary, and Together—while coaching, developing, and motivating managers and staff to reach their full potential.

SWEET Values

• Service – We put our guests and each other first.
• Wholehearted – We lead with care, integrity, and authenticity.
• Enterprising – We embrace innovation and continuous improvement.
• Extraordinary – We strive to exceed expectations every day.
• Together – We succeed through collaboration, trust, and mutual respect.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of managers and hourly team members by creating a culture of accountability, engagement, continuous learning, and growth.
• Recruit, onboard, train, and retain talent while building a strong leadership pipeline through coaching, mentoring, succession planning, and opportunities for career growth and internal promotion.
• Provide ongoing performance feedback, recognition, and development support while addressing performance concerns through fair and consistent accountability practices.
• Model and reinforce the bakery’s SWEET Values by fostering an inclusive, collaborative environment where team members feel valued, empowered, and inspired to deliver exceptional guest experiences.
• Partner with managers to ensure effective execution of training programs, operational standards, and new initiatives while promoting teamwork, operational excellence, and a guest-first mindset.

Operational & Strategic Responsibilities

• Oversee daily bakery operations, ensuring consistent execution of company standards, policies, procedures, and brand expectations.
• Manage production schedules, inventory, and product quality to deliver fresh, high-quality products while minimizing waste.
• Partner with BOH teams to ensure consistency in recipes, food safety, operational standards, and production execution.
• Partner with FOH team for guest service, product quality, and food safety.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, health department, workplace safety, security, and applicable labor requirements.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and inviting bakery environment by ensuring facilities, equipment, merchandising, and product displays meet brand standards.
• Analyze business performance, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement action plans that drive sales, profitability, productivity, and exceptional guest experiences.

Financial Responsibilities

• Own the bakery’s financial performance, including sales, profitability, labor costs, food costs, and controllable expenses.
• Analyze financial reports and key performance indicators to make informed business decisions and drive improvement.
• Ensure accurate cash handling, reporting, audits, inventory controls, and compliance with company financial standards.

Skills & Qualifications

Leadership Skills

• Talent development and coaching, including managers
• Performance management and accountability
• Team building and succession planning
• Decision-making, problem-solving, and change leadership

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, POS systems, and scheduling platforms
• Experience with inventory management and operational systems
• Knowledge of food safety standards and practices

Communication Skills

• Clear, effective verbal and written communication
• Active listening and ability to provide constructive feedback
• Strong guest service and relationship-building skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively with team members, managers, and cross-functional partners
• Ability to communicate expectations, priorities, and business goals with clarity

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience leading retail or food service operations in a general management capacity.
• Experience leading teams of 20 or more employees.
• Demonstrated success developing leaders and promoting talent internally.
• Food Safety Certification (or ability to obtain before training period ends).

Pay

The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $100,000 annually. Placement within this range will be based on relevant experience, skills, qualifications, education, and business needs.

Benefits

Magnolia Bakery offers eligible salaried team members a competitive benefits package that may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k)
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Life and disability insurance
• Employee assistance resources
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee discounts

Benefits are subject to eligibility and plan provisions.