Food Production Manager

Food Production Manager                    

We’re seeking an experienced Production Manager to lead end‑to‑end bakery manufacturing operations within a chilled pastry environment, overseeing a 2‑shift structure. This role is responsible for delivering safe, efficient, and compliant production across multiple bakery areas, ensuring volume, quality, cost, and performance targets are consistently achieved.

The remit covers four production lines, pastry production, cooking and meat preparation areas, ingredient storage, ovens, and baking operations. A strong focus on OEE, efficiency, yield, waste reduction, and GMP excellence is essential.

Operational Leadership

Bakery operations management across pastry production, filling/cooking, meat prep, ingredient storage, baking, and four high‑volume lines
Set clear expectations and lead daily performance through Shift Managers, Supervisors, and Team Leaders
Deliver production plans safely, on time, and in full
Manage material flow into production, including meat prep and cook room areas
Ensure material areas remain on plan to prevent delays or shortages
Full oversight of seasoning area, ensuring adequate stock availability
Ownership of oven operations, focusing on product quality and baking profiles
Control labour planning, crewing, visio standards, and daily staffing
Monitor and accurately record agency usage, identifying cost‑saving opportunities
Work closely with Technical and QA teams to maintain GMP and compliance
Performance & Continuous Improvement

OEE and efficiency improvement across all bakery areas
Reduce downtime and drive efficiency gains
Identify performance gaps and lead structured improvement initiatives
Use data to drive accountability, problem‑solving, and informed decision‑making
Champion continuous improvement methodologies to strengthen right‑first‑time performance
Manage Redzone and produce daily/weekly/monthly KPIs
Monitor production standards including line speeds, yields, and accuracy
Ensure all reported data is complete, accurate, and up to date
Quality, Food Safety & GMP

Ensure full compliance with food safety, quality, and legal standards (BRCGS, HACCP, internal requirements)
Embed high GMP standards across all bakery areas
Work with Technical and Quality teams to resolve non‑conformances and support audits
Drive continuous quality improvement and maintain audit‑ready standards
Ensure products meet customer specifications and QAS requirements
Reduce waste caused by quality issues in partnership with Quality Manager
Escalate process, equipment, or material issues promptly
Maintain accurate records and report key food safety and quality metrics
Investigate product safety/quality issues and implement corrective actions
People Leadership & Capability Development

Build a high‑performing leadership team through coaching, development, and performance management
Engage effectively with Team Leaders, Shift Managers, and key staff
Promote a strong safety‑first culture
Support succession planning and capability development
Foster accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement
Manage all people processes including absence, discipline, grievances, and training needs
Oversee holiday planning to ensure adequate cover
Lead, coach, and motivate teams to achieve departmental goals
Provide guidance on HR policy and employee relations
Develop direct reports and address underperformance
Recognise achievements and encourage improvement
Create a proactive, inclusive culture where colleagues feel valued
Cost Control & Resource Management

Manage production costs through effective control of labour, materials, waste, giveaway, and rework
Ensure efficient use of ingredients and raw materials
Support budget setting and deliver cost and efficiency targets
Cross‑Functional Collaboration

Work closely with Engineering to improve equipment reliability and line performance
Partner with NPD and Process teams on product launches and process changes
Collaborate with Supply Chain, Planning, and Technical teams to ensure operational alignment
Maintain strong links with QA and Technical teams on compliance and product quality
Customer Service

Ensure customer service levels are consistently met
Achieve ATP targets and take corrective action when required
Deliver shift production plans and communicate service issues promptly
Support actions to resolve customer complaints
Health & Safety

Take full responsibility for site health and safety — the highest priority
Maintain compliance with all Health & Safety policies and procedures
Investigate and report unsafe practices, taking immediate action to prevent recurrence
Ensure safe working practices for employees and contractors
Key Behaviours

Highly self‑motivated and able to lead by example
Professional, proactive work ethic
Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills
Excellent attention to detail
Resilient, tenacious, and calm under pressure
Strong relationship‑building and collaboration skills
Clear, confident communicator at all levels
Quality‑driven mindset
Vigilant regarding Health & Safety
Commercial awareness in a fast‑paced environment
Key Skills & Experience

Essential

Senior production management experience within chilled food manufacturing (ideally bakery/pastry)
Strong understanding of high‑volume, short‑shelf‑life environments
Proven track record improving OEE, efficiency, yield, and waste
In‑depth knowledge of GMP, food safety, and quality systems
Strong leadership capability across multi‑area operations
Data‑driven mindset with strong problem‑solving skills
Desirable

Experience managing complex environments including cooking, baking, and raw meat handling
Exposure to Lean, Six Sigma, or similar CI frameworks
Experience supporting major audits and customer interactions
Key Objectives

Plan attainment: 95%+ across all shifts
OEE improvement: 70%+ pure OEE / 80%+ non‑pure OEE
Giveaway: below 3%
Pastry waste reduction
GMP improvement and reduction of non‑conformances
Production quality: right‑first‑time, zero defects
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed