General Manager

The General Manager is responsible for the overall performance, profitability, and operational excellence of the bakery business. This role leads production, people management, food safety, and customer experience while ensuring commercial targets and brand standards are achieved. Key Responsibilities: Health & Safety • Responsible of leading regional and site-based Safety strategies • Ensures compliances to workplace health & safety, and local regulations. Operations, Production & Engineering • Oversee all daily bakery operations, including production, retail and distribution • Ensure consistent product quality, presentation, and availability across all ranges • Implement efficient production planning, waste reduction, and cost control processes • Maintain equipment, facilities, and production schedules to meet demand • Works to support long term facility growth and reliability plans (through opex/capex) Financial & Commercial Management • Develop and execute the plant manufacturing budgets, managing P&L responsibility and achievement of budgetary and cash flow goals to ensure the long-term viability of the plant. Manage spending against budget, controlling spending in relation to changes in production volume, labour cost, cost of goods, waste and margins. • Manages all capital expenditure projects for the plant to ensure completion on schedule and within budgetary guidelines • Drive sales performance through menu optimisation and seasonal offerings • Provides meaningful and accurate data for preparation of capital and operating budgets including timely reporting. People Leadership • Lead, coach, and develop managers and team members to build a capable, high‑performing workforce that supports business growth. • Foster a strong culture of accountability, quality workmanship, safety, and customer focus aligned with business goals and values. • Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management and rostering • Ensure compliance with employment legislation and award conditions Customer Experience & Brand • Deliver an exceptional in-store customer experience • Handle escalated customer feedback and implement service improvements • Protect and evolve the bakery’s brand, values and market reputation Quality, Food Safety & Compliance • Ensure compliance with food safety standards • Maintain HACCP, allergen management, and cleaning programs • Lead food safety audits and corrective action plans Continuous Improvement • Identify and implement process improvements and new ways of working • Stay current with bakery trends, techniques, and market developments • Lead new product launches and business growth initiatives Policies and Procedures: • Adhere to all company and local policies, procedures and SOPs including any amendments, or new policies and procedures that may be implemented. ESG • Site lead of regional and site based ESG strategies and initiatives Position Requirements/Competencies & Qualifications: • A thorough and detailed understanding of Bakery operations and food manufacturing requirements • Demonstrated success delivering significant business outcomes. • Ability to engage with high-profile customers, industry and community leaders as required • Possess the willingness to learn, improve and adapt. • Possess relevant IT skills in basic MS Office applications - outlook, excel & word and a working knowledge or business ERP systems • Strong and decisive leadership skills, team building, coaching, mediation, independent thinking and planning abilities • Knowledge and understanding of employment labour law and local employment agreements • Excellent analytical, finance and problem-solving skills • Previous experience in best practice implementation and continuous improvement in manufacturing and safety programs • Ability to commit to travel as required. Performance Measures: • Site profitability targets • Food and labour cost control • Product quality and consistency • Customer satisfaction (CPMU) and retention • Team engagement and retention • Compliance and food safety audit outcomes