About the position
Role Summary
To support the national bakery strategy by ensuring consistent product quality, operational excellence, and best practice execution across all Pick n Pay stores. The specialist provides hands on technical bakery support, training, and store guidance to improve performance and customer experience.
Requirements
Minimum Requirements
3-7 years' experience in bakery operations or retail.
Strong technical understanding of bakery equipment layout/flow design, bakery production and recipes.
Knowledge of bakery procedures and operational standards (advantage).
Valid driver's licence and willingness to travel nationally.
Competencies
Expert bakery product and production knowledge.
Strong attention to detail and quality.
Ability to train and uplift store capability.
Analytical and commercially aware.
Strong communication and relationship building skills.
Problem solving and ability to influence store teams.
Key Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities:
Store & Operational Support
Build relationship with Franchisee and senior store management.
Conduct national and regional store visits to review bakery operations and standards.
Identify gaps in production, merchandising, and product execution.
Support stores with daily operational challenges and provide corrective action guidance.
Ensure consistent rollout of bakery SOPs, production plans, and brand standards.
Product Quality & Food Safety
Monitor product quality, freshness, and adherence to bakery recipes.
Ensure compliance with PnP food safety, hygiene, and QA requirements.
Support stores in preparing for audits and closing out non-conformance items.
Commercial Performance
Evaluate sales, waste, and margin performance across bakery departments.
Be able to do recipe costings when required.
Recommend actions to improve profitability and customer offer.
Support promotional execution, seasonal events (e.g., Easter, Christmas), and new ranges.
Training & Skills Development
Train bakery teams on baking techniques, equipment use, production planning, and merchandising.
Coach stores on customer service within the bakery environment.
Assist with updating bakery training material in partnership with Learning & Development.
Must have a good relationship with bakery suppliers to facilitate off site training.
Collaboration
Partner with Regional Fresh Specialists, Operations Managers, Category teams, and QA.
Provide weekly insights and feedback to the National Fresh Foods Manager.
Support new store openings, conversions, and revamps with bakery setup and training.
Closing Date: 19 March 2026
