Festival Foods

Festival Foods

Wisconsin grocer delivering community-focused service

Bakery and Deli Manager

Full-TimePosted on 9/29/2026Deadline 9/29/27
No salary listed
Mid
Mauston, WI, USA
In Person

About the job

Requirements
  • High school education or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Thorough knowledge of the retail food business and perishable department operations.
  • Effective merchandising skills.
  • Ability to make timely and effective decisions.
  • Ability to deal tactfully and effectively with guests and associates.
  • Good oral and written communication skills and the ability to interact with a diverse team in a stressful environment.
  • Thorough understanding of safety requirements and company safety policies.
  • Ability to apply on-the-job safety training to recognize and react to possible safety hazards on store premises.
  • Proper training and knowledge of hand jacks, slicers, balers, trash compactors, fryers, ovens, grinders, mixers, blasters, chillers, and cook-and-hold procedures.
  • Wisconsin Certified Food Manager License; Festival Foods will pay for certification if the associate is not already certified.
  • Ability to stand for long periods, walk in the store, and bend, stoop, and kneel regularly.
  • Fine finger and broad manual dexterity, and eye-hand-foot coordination to operate equipment.
  • Full range of upper body motion to occasionally lift stock and ability to perform repetitive tasks for prolonged periods.
  • Functional sensory abilities to visually monitor the store, create displays, and operate equipment.
  • Ability to occasionally lift up to 60 pounds.
  • Proper training and knowledge of power equipment, which may include slicers, mixers, ovens, knives and cutters, pallet or power jacks, WAVs, compactors, and balers.
  • Ability to work in conditions involving occasional exposure to extreme temperatures and varying temperatures in refrigerators, freezers, kitchens, and sales floors.
  • Regular, timely attendance and adequate notice to find a replacement for occasional absences.
  • The work schedule includes mornings, afternoons, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Responsibilities
  • Work alongside Bakery and Deli associates, give clear direction, coach on best practices, and reinforce company expectations.
  • Ensure the Bakery and Deli departments are stocked, organized, and meeting operational goals by leading associates and overseeing workflow.
  • Develop and approve weekly schedules for both departments to ensure adequate staffing.
  • Balance orders, food preparation and production, deliveries, and vendor coordination to maintain proper inventory levels across Bakery and Deli.
  • Assist guests with Bakery and Deli orders and special requests, and recommend products.
  • Troubleshoot issues and adjust plans to keep departments running efficiently.
  • Oversee sales-floor and backstock conditions, product stocking, pricing accuracy, and merchandising execution to meet store standards.
  • Provide leadership coverage when the Senior Manager is unavailable and support overall store functions.
  • Maintain required logs and verifications to ensure compliance with food safety regulations.
  • Train and mentor Fresh Food associates to develop their skills and experience.
  • Communicate with other store leaders and teams to align operations and resolve challenges.
  • Uphold safety policies, company procedures, and regulatory standards to maintain a safe and efficient store environment.
  • Oversee proper use of department equipment, including ovens, slicers, mixers, and scales.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
Desired Qualifications
  • At least five years of grocery, deli, bakery, retail, or restaurant experience, including two years in a key leadership position, is preferred.

About the company

Festival Foods is a Wisconsin-based grocer with 40+ full-service supermarkets. It provides groceries and everyday essentials with a focus on strong customer service and value, supported by extensive associate benefits and programs that aim to empower staff. The stores stock a wide range of products in a traditional grocery format, including fresh departments, household items, and personal care, and they emphasize community involvement in their operations. Unlike many competitors, Festival Foods differentiates itself through its commitment to giving back to Wisconsin communities and treating guests and associates as top priorities. The company’s goal is to serve Wisconsin communities with reliable, friendly service and good value while supporting its employees and local programs.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

De Pere, Wisconsin

Founded

1946

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Todd Schnuck closed the acquisition on October 20, 2025, adding 51 stores and scale.
  • Festival opened Kimberly on September 20, 2026, and Hudson opens November 8, 2026.
  • Adam Whitney became COO in August 2026, tightening merchandising and fresh execution.

What critics are saying

  • Festival faces a $7.5 million overtime settlement in Dyer v. Skogen’s Foodliner, Inc.
  • Greenfield closed after a November 4, 2026 WARN layoff notice, signaling weak locations.
  • Failed integration erases Festival’s local-brand advantage and triggers customer defections.

What makes Festival Foods unique

  • Festival Foods keeps 42 Wisconsin stores and local banners under 1939 Group, since 2025.
  • Its community-focused format survived Schnuck ownership, preserving headquarters in Wisconsin and store-level autonomy.
  • Mark Skogen’s 2025 sale protected employee legacy through ESOP inclusion and banner continuity.

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Benefits

Employee Discounts

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

Parental Leave

Wellness Program

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Company News

Insight on Business
Sep 16th, 2025
Schnuck Markets Acquires Festival Foods

Schnuck Markets, Inc. has acquired 100% of the shares of Festival Foods and Hometown Grocers, Inc. through the 1939 Group, Inc., owned by the Schnuck family. The acquisition includes shares from CEO Mark Skogen and the Employee Stock Ownership Plan. The 1939 Group will maintain the existing store banners and corporate headquarters, with Todd Schnuck as Chairman and CEO. The transaction is expected to close in October, subject to customary approvals.