Job Title: General Manager - High-Volume Independent Bakery Café

Location: North Toronto / GTA (On-site)

Job Type: Full-Time, Salaried

Compensation: $50,000-$70,000 annually + performance-based bonuses

Start Date: Targeting 4-6 weeks from hire

About the Opportunity

A long-established, independent bakery/café is seeking a full-time General Manager to oversee daily operations and lead a dedicated team in one of Toronto's most respected community-based food businesses. With a long history and a loyal, multi-generational customer base, this bakery/café is a GTA institution-particularly among local residents-serving high volumes daily with a focus on baked goods, breads, bagels, holiday-specific offerings, and sit-down restaurant service.

This role is ideal for a hands-on leader with strong hospitality or QSR (quick-service restaurant) experience. If you've managed operations in a fast-paced café, bakery, restaurant, or Tim Hortons-style busy environment (but with seated service), and are looking for an opportunity to take ownership and build a customer-centric and sales-driven team, we'd love to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of daily operations, including staffing, scheduling, inventory, and vendor coordination
• Lead a team of approximately 20 staff across front and back of house, all from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Oversee cash handling, bank deposits, daily financial tracking and loss prevention strategies
• Ensure a high standard of customer service and staff engagement during peak hours
• Maintain cleanliness and readiness of customer and staff areas
• Coordinate ordering and stocking, especially during peak demand seasons
• Participate actively during busy service periods
• Monitor inventory, manage supplier relationships, and assist with purchasing decisions
• Support the growth of catering operations and seasonal sales
• Develop marketing and promotional strategies
• Collaborate with ownership on vendor contracts, HR decisions, and key financial planning

Success Metrics

Within 90 days:

• Understand staff dynamics, operational flow, supplier routines, and peak sales patterns
• Build relationships with customers and staff while becoming hands-on in all service areas

Within 12 months:

• Lead operations with minimal oversight
• Execute seasonal product planning aligned with religious holidays
• Demonstrate solid inventory and labor cost control
• Grow catering and customer acquisition strategies
• Support ownership in future planning and growth discussions

Candidate Qualifications

Required:

• 3-5+ years in hospitality, restaurant, café, QSR, or bakery operations as an Assistant GM or GM
• An energetic go-getter wanting to create and support a sales-focused team, and who recognizes the unique opportunity this position represents
• Strong leadership and team-building experience
• Hands-on, proactive, and highly organized
• Comfortable managing labor costs, food costs, and inventory
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and POS/back-office systems
• Strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills
• Willing to be present during early shifts and peak service periods
• Familiarity with financial statements and operational reporting
• Basic maintenance and equipment troubleshooting knowledge

Preferred:

• Background in Jewish style deli, bakery, and baked goods or café operations
• Experience growing a catering and retail food business
• HR, payroll, and staff training experience
• Interest in designing marketing, cross-selling, and customer engagement initiatives

Compensation and Benefits

• $50,000-$70,000 annual salary, depending on experience
• Bonus structure based on sales and profitability
• Training and support from current ownership over 6-12 months
• Potential equity opportunity for long-term leadership candidate
• Supportive, close-knit team with long-term employees and strong workplace culture

Who We're Looking For

This position is best suited to individuals who enjoy:

• Leading from the front during busy shifts
• Balancing strategic oversight with day-to-day presence
• Working in a fast-paced, customer-facing environment
• Learning and adapting to cultural and seasonal service rhythms
• Developing people, customer relationships, systems, and marketing strategies over time

Equal Opportunity

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants of all backgrounds. A willingness to understand and respect cultural traditions and service patterns is important for success in this role

.Apply today to become part of a Toronto institution-where tradition, service, fresh baked goods, and excellent food come together every day.