Competitive triathletes and passionate bakers, Pam Weekes and Connie McDonald left their careers to open a small bread shop in New York City in 1995 — Levain Bakery.

One day, they baked a BIG chocolate chip walnut cookie as energy for triathlon training. At Levain, a batch of these 6-ounce cookies flew off the shelves, and an icon was born. The cozy shop on West 74th Street became a neighborhood favorite and a destination for epicurious visitors from around the world, hungry for “the cookie.”

From the start, Pam, Connie, and the team baked everything fresh on-site each day, donating the day’s leftovers to charity — and we still do, nearly 30 years later. Today, Levain has bakeries across the country (with more to come!), plus ecommerce gift boxes to treat cookie lovers in every state.

Our Vision: To give rise to lifelong memories

Our Mission: To bring together people who treat their work and the craft of baking and all who come to visit with great care.

Every day, we strive to embody our company’s five core values:

• Welcome All- We are all in it together
• Work Hard and Be Kind- We pull our weight, we do our best, and take care of each other
• Lead with Heart- We operate with empathy and integrity
• Rise Up- We take initiative to make things better
• Savor It- We are present and find the fun!

THE ROLE: COMMISSARY PRODUCTION MANAGER

The Commissary Production Manager will oversee daily cookie dough production for all of Levain’s east coast locations and ensures every one of our world-famous cookies is the best quality possible. The Commissary Production Manager coaches and motivates team members, creates action plans to hit production targets, and coordinates the smooth delivery of supplies and dough across all our locations. The ideal Commissary Production Manager candidate has high emotional intelligence and a knack for operating in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

What We’re Looking For:

• Strong communication & interpersonal skills; team-oriented with a positive attitude
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and care: be adaptable, flexible, and patient
• Be open to feedback and committed to continuous improvement
• Ability to continuously motivate and inspire team members and set a positive example for the team
• Ability to remain calm under pressure in a fast-paced environment when troubleshooting issues: be consistent, patient, and even keeled
• Results-oriented approach with the ability to deliver against daily production schedules?
• Detail-oriented with passion and patience for creating consistent, high-quality products
• Proven leadership and management skills with the ability to optimize team performance and development
• Embody and promote the values and standards of Levain Bakery

Job Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Management

• Display effective leadership to inspire and manage all commissary staff, including mixers, mises, scalers, porters, and receivers
• Model DEI principles and ensure they are upheld in commissary operations and leadership practices, where team members foster a culture of inclusion on their team
• Facilitate open, clear, and effective verbal and written communication with team members, customers, and management
• Demonstrate strategies for resolving conflicts and handling difficult conversations with team members
• Manage team member performance through assessment techniques, coaching, and regular development opportunities

Production & Efficiency

• Manage and direct all production, sanitation, maintenance, and shipping operations to achieve quality, labor, and product standards
• Support Operations and Facility teams in areas such as capacity planning, supply chain management, and facility improvements
• Understand and apply procedures to maximize production efficiencies and minimize performance variances
• Oversee the process of inventory, FIFO, deliveries, and inputting accurate data to MRP system

Safety, Quality Control & Compliance

• Administer the Food Safety Program by ensuring all GMPs, allergen controls, sanitation, and Critical Control Points are followed by all personnel
• Implement and oversee quality control procedures that ensure product consistency
• Administer root cause analysis and resolution for food safety and quality concerns
• Inspect, troubleshoot, and assess production and equipment problems, and take corrective action as needed
• Responsible for administering Employee Safety Program

Growth Management

• Strong financial acumen to manage the commissary’s budget, analyze financial reports, control costs, and maximize profitability
• Analyze production, quality control, maintenance, and operational reports to make informed decisions that enhance production and drive positive outcomes
• Review KPIs and use them to guide decision-making and performance management
• Partner with Ecommerce Production Manager to establish priorities and initiatives that impact commissary plans
• Establish relationships with suppliers, businesses, and organizations for meaningful partnerships

Requirements:

• Minimum 5 years managing professional food manufacturing operations, with at least 3–5 years of experience working with and managing MRP and ERP systems
• Fluency in Spanish is required
• Open availability: ability to work mornings, nights, weekends, and holidays
• Experience working with (MRP) or manufacturing resource planning software
• Knowledge of Food Safety regulations, laws, and best practices
• Experience in workplace safety programs and their application
• HACCP certification and experience maintaining HACCP program
• SQF Practitioner certification; Previous experience with GFSI, SQF and USDA audits
• Ability to work 50 hours per week
• Ability to lift/push up to 50+ pounds, including overhead
• Stand/walk for an 8-hour shift (excluding a ½ hour break); some locations require walking up and down stairs
• Read and communicate in English, both verbally and in writing
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel

Compensation & Benefits

• $80k - $95k DOE + 15% quarterly bonus potential
• Health, Vision, Dental Insurance
• Employer-funded Healthcare Reimbursement Account
• Additional supplemental benefits: Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Bike-Share Reimbursement
• 14 Weeks Fully Paid Parental Leave
• Three Weeks of Paid Time Off
• 401K with 3.5% Company Match

We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where all employees feel valued and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives.