Program Manager/Pastry Chef

Major Functions/Accountabilities

• Oversee daily bakery operations and maintenance of equipment and facilities.
• Recommend bakery and program design changes as appropriate, including hours of operation, menu composition, and community outreach initiatives.
• Lead the new product development process, including menu development, weekend specials, and holiday planning.
• Maintain bakery operations to ensure all available resources are deployed in ways that maximize the production of high-quality products and achieve program goals.
• Track and analyze production/operations metrics to improve efficiency, quality, and resource utilization.
• Monitor budget to actual performance, develop plans to address variances, and create budget amendments if needed.
• Oversee inventory and ordering of bakery ingredients and other supplies through multiple vendors, with a focus on fostering relationships with local suppliers.
• Lead program projects, including formatting recipes and costing.
• Lead and/or assist with the planning and execution of on- and off-site special events, as appropriate.

Team Development/Leadership

• Provide direct supervision to bakery team members, including individuals with and without disabilities.
• Develop and enhance recruitment efforts and onboarding processes for individuals with disabilities and neurotypical employees.
• Encourage, train, and coach bakery staff to provide them with opportunities to learn and develop their skills.
• Track individual progress against training goals/competencies and use data to tailor ongoing skill development.
• Create a plan for the successful integration of a diverse workforce.
• Organize and delegate work, establish priorities, make proper staffing assignments, and ensure bakery team members have all necessary materials and instructions to fulfill their responsibilities each day.
• Create visual and physical supports to maximize the independence of bakery team members.
• Foster professional development, growth, and success of Sous Chef/Lead Baker through leadership, coaching, teamwork and education.
• Reinforce Happy Apple Pie Shop and Easterseals policies, procedures, and standards to ensure staff satisfaction and retention, as well as product quality and consistency.
• Serve as a source of support for bakery team members by encouraging their feedback, answering questions, and resolving concerns.
• Ensure the bakery team has a clear understanding of the organization’s values and goals, and provide direction and communication on key issues that empower them to achieve results.
• Maintain knowledge of employment programs, initiatives, laws, and trends in community, state, and national organizations, agencies, and government.
• Implement all processes, procedures, and best practices in vocational training and employment opportunities aligned to research and evidence-based practices.
• Embody the core competencies and values of Easterseals and positively promote the organization’s culture.

Communication & Reporting

• Participate in weekly calls and meetings with Easterseals’ leadership and chef consultants as needed.
• Facilitate and participate in regularly scheduled meetings with bakery team.
• Maintain records of hours worked and work completed for each bakery team member.
• Communicate clearly and effectively with customers, guests, bakery team, Easterseals’ leadership, program consultants, and stakeholders.
• Maintain daily log of notable issues for review and discussion with Easterseals leadership and program consultants.
• Create and maintain tools and reports that empower leaders, chef consultants, and stakeholders to make data-driven decisions and answer high-leverage questions.
• Work with the leadership team and chef consultants to ensure information disseminated to stakeholders is an accurate and valid reflection of program activities.