At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in a fast-paced bakery environment, ensuring safety and quality.
- Company: Join Allied Bakeries, part of a global food group with iconic brands.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days leave, private healthcare, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours and a supportive culture focused on employee well-being.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a thriving industry while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in manufacturing and a passion for continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Allied Bakeries are owned by Associated British Foods. ABF is a diversified international food, ingredients and retail group with sales of £20.1bn and 138,000 employees in 56 countries. Our sister companies in ABF UK Grocery produce products under many market‑leading household brands, including Jordans, Ryvita, Pataks, Blue Dragon & Silver Spoon. We are proud of our brands: we make top 10 UK grocery brand Kingsmill as well as Allinson’s and Sunblest.
The success of our business depends on us having the right people on the team. We are incredibly passionate about our business, but it isn’t for the faint‑hearted – it’s pacey and demanding so our people need to have a positive attitude and to want to work inclusively. We take massive pride in what we do, not least in how colleagues based in our bakeries and depots have one of the best safety performance records in the industry.
Our Grocery Service Centre, based near Liverpool, is a hub for transactional activity across multiple ABF companies within the ABF Grocery division. Supporting some of our well‑known brands such as Kingsmill, Pataks, Blue Dragon, Jordans, Ryvita and Silver Spoon, amongst others. We deliver Shared Service activities across a wide range of disciplines including Customer Services, Consumer Care, Finance, Payroll, HR and IS.
Overview Of Role
- Location: Newcastle-under-Lyme
- Place of Work: Allied Bakeries Stoke (full‑time on‑site role)
- Salary: Competitive
- Hours: Monday-Friday with flexibility to respond to operational incidents outside of normal working hours
We’re looking for a driven and experienced Production Manager to join our Manufacturing team at Allied Bakeries Stoke. This is a key leadership role where you’ll be responsible for delivering performance across Safety, Quality and Efficiency in a fast‑paced commercial bakery environment. You’ll lead from the front, developing high‑performing teams and driving continuous improvement to ensure operational excellence across your area of responsibility.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading your area with a strong “Safety First” mindset, ensuring a safe, compliant and high‑performing environment.
- Setting consistently high standards through visible leadership, providing clear direction, coaching and support to your team.
- Taking full ownership of manufacturing performance, delivering against production, quality and cost targets.
- Championing a culture of continuous improvement, challenging ways of working to enhance performance.
- Planning proactively to ensure operational resilience, using data and performance insights to drive targeted improvements.
- Leading the delivery of site and national projects, ensuring successful implementation and ownership.
- Developing capability within your team, supporting succession planning and building a strong talent pipeline.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven leadership experience in a fast‑paced, results‑driven manufacturing environment.
- Strong understanding of production operations, hygiene standards and food safety principles.
- A track record of improving performance, efficiency and operational outcomes.
- The ability to engage, motivate and develop high‑performing teams.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving capability, with a data‑led approach to decision making.
- The ability to build credibility and influence at all levels of the business.
- A proactive, resilient mindset with a passion for continuous improvement and leading change.
- Experience managing projects or delivering operational improvements is advantageous.
Benefits
- 33 days annual leave
- Up to 10% employer pension contribution
- Private healthcare and healthcare cash plan
- Ongoing leadership development, mentoring and career progression opportunities
- Retail discounts across a wide range of brands
- Cycle to Work and Electric Car Scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
Production Manager employer: Allied Bakeries | part of Associated British Foods plc
Allied Bakeries, part of the Associated British Foods group, is an exceptional employer that prioritises safety, inclusivity, and employee development within a fast-paced bakery environment. Located in Newcastle-under-Lyme, we offer competitive salaries, generous benefits including 33 days of annual leave, private healthcare, and ongoing leadership development opportunities, all while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values your contributions and supports your career growth.
Contact Details:
Allied Bakeries | part of Associated British Foods plc Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Production Manager
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Allied Bakeries | part of Associated British Foods plc, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Production Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Allied Bakeries | part of Associated British Foods plc specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Allied Bakeries | part of Associated British Foods plc
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Allied Bakeries | part of Associated British Foods plc, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Allied Bakeries | part of Associated British Foods plc value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
