General Manager - Newport Beach

Newport Beach, CA, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $85,000.00 - $95,000.00

Work Schedule

Standard Hours

Day Shifts

Weekend Shifts

Night Shifts

Benefits

Health Insurance

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

Healthcare reimbursement account

Commuter Benefits

Employee assistance program

Bike-share reimbursement

Paid parental leave

Paid Time Off

401K with company match

Job Description

Levain Bakery is a renowned bakery originally founded in 1995 by Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald, two competitive triathletes and passionate bakers who transitioned from their previous careers to establish a small bread shop in New York City. The bakery quickly gained fame for its signature big chocolate chip walnut cookie, a delicious six-ounce cookie that became an iconic treat beloved by neighborhood locals and visitors alike from around the world. Starting from a cozy shop on West 74th Street, Levain Bakery has expanded its presence with multiple locations across the United States and ecommerce platforms offering gift boxes to reach cookie lovers nationwide.

From its inception, Levain Bakery has maintained a dedication to baking everything fresh on-site daily, with a commitment to community support by donating leftover products to charity. Nearly 30 years later, the bakery continues to uphold its founding values and mission, focused on crafting exceptional baked goods and nurturing meaningful connections with customers and team members.

Levain Bakery’s vision is to create lifelong memories through its craft, and its mission emphasizes bringing together those who share a passion for baking and exceptional customer service, emphasizing care and quality in every aspect of the business. The company embraces five core values: welcoming all individuals, working hard and being kind, leading with heart, rising up to improve, and savoring each moment with presence and fun.

The role of General Manager at Levain Bakery’s Newport Beach location is a critical leadership position, collaborating closely with District Managers to oversee the bakery’s daily operations and its financial performance. This position calls for an individual with strong problem-solving abilities, decision-making skills, and an aptitude for leadership who can shape and guide the bakery’s growth trajectory. The General Manager leads and manages the bakery teams including shift leads, bakers, and retail staff, ensuring that the highest standards of production, customer service, and operational protocols are consistently met.

General Managers at Levain are expected to foster a people-forward environment that prioritizes exceptional customer service and empathy toward both customers and team members. They are responsible for coaching staff, managing performance, addressing challenges, and maintaining harmony and motivation within their teams. Operational duties include budget management, cost control, financial analysis, inventory oversight, quality assurance, and coordinating with suppliers and community partners for growth opportunities.

This role requires a keen financial acumen to effectively manage the bakery’s budgets, maximize profitability, and implement strategic sales initiatives that drive revenue and reduce costs. The General Manager ensures that all baking and customer experience standards align with Levain’s brand reputation for excellence. They play a pivotal role in embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles within the team and ensuring a positive, inclusive work culture.

Levain offers a competitive compensation package, including a salary range of $85,000 to $95,000 plus potential quarterly bonuses, alongside comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance. Other benefits include an employer-funded healthcare reimbursement account, commuter and bike-share reimbursements, employee assistance programs, generous parental leave, paid time off, and a 401(k) plan with company matching. Levain Bakery is firmly committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every employee feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully to the company’s success.

Job Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred
4-5 years of food service, QSR, or retail experience
2-3 years of management experience required
adept knowledge of Toast POS system
open availability to work mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays
ability to work 50 hours per week
ability to lift/push 25-50 pounds
ability to stand/walk for an 8-hour shift with some locations requiring stairs
proficient in English verbal and written communication
basic computer skills, including email and Microsoft Office
valid DOH Certification and other required food handlers’ certifications

Job Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in business, hospitality, or relevant field preferred
minimum 4-5 years of food service, QSR, or retail experience
at least 2-3 years of management experience
adept knowledge of Toast POS system
strong communication and interpersonal skills
ability to motivate and inspire team members
familiarity with budgeting and financial management
understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion principles
customer service expertise
ability to handle conflict resolution
proficient in basic computer skills including email and Microsoft Office
valid DOH Certification and additional regional required food handlers’ certifications

Job Duties

Display effective leadership capabilities focused on team dynamics, motivation, and conflict resolution
model DEI principles and ensure they are upheld in bakery operations and leadership practices
demonstrate strategies for resolving conflicts and handling difficult conversations with team members
manage team member performance through assessment techniques, coaching, and regular development opportunities
demonstrate strong customer service skills and coach team members on handling inquiries, complaints, and feedback
demonstrate a deep understanding of customer preferences, needs, and expectations
foster strong, lasting relationships with customers to enhance their sense of belonging
troubleshoot customer complaints to resolve issues and evaluate customer reviews on various platforms
manage the bakery’s budget pursuant to P&L, control costs, maximize profitability, and maintain weekly business analysis
consistently adhere to established protocols to ensure all baked goods meet quality standards
ensure all in-store and third-party delivery orders are accurate and safely prepared
manage cash reconciliations, audit time sheets, close payroll, and ensure inventory accuracy
maintain business analysis routine to stay on target with KPIs
develop and implement sales strategies to reduce cost and increase revenue
establish relationships with suppliers, businesses, and organizations for meaningful partnerships