At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead bakery operations, drive performance, and support teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join a dynamic bakery manufacturing team focused on operational excellence.
- Benefits: Flexible benefits, health support, pension contributions, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and collaboration with innovative teams.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant industry while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in fast-paced food manufacturing and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About the Role
We're looking for a strong people and process leader to join a fast-paced bakery manufacturing environment as our Head Baker. This is a highly visible operational leadership role that sits between production, process improvement, and technical operations. You’ll lead from the front, spending the majority of your time on the shop floor, driving standards, supporting teams, and working closely with senior site stakeholders to deliver operational excellence across bakery manufacturing. This role would suit someone with experience in high-volume food or FMCG manufacturing who is confident operating in a fast-moving environment and influencing at senior level.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage bakery process operations across the manufacturing function
- Drive performance, quality, consistency, and continuous improvement on the shop floor
- Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across site operations, technical, engineering, and leadership teams
- Support process optimisation, problem solving, and operational decision making
- Champion food safety, quality, and manufacturing standards
- Work collaboratively with NPD and technical teams to support product launches and process implementation
- Coach and develop operational teams to improve capability and performance
- Use data and operational insight to identify opportunities for efficiency and improvement
About You
We're looking for someone who can combine operational presence with strong stakeholder management capability. You will likely have:
- Experience within fast-paced manufacturing environments, ideally food, bakery, FMCG, or similar
- Strong operational leadership experience with a hands‑on approach
- Confidence engaging and influencing at Site Lead / Senior Leadership level
- Experience working cross‑functionally between operations and technical teams
- A track record of driving continuous improvement and operational performance
- Exposure to NPD, process implementation, or product launches would be advantageous as well as project management experience
- Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills
- A proactive, resilient, and solutions‑focused mindset
Benefits Baked In
All colleagues can choose from a wide range of benefits in addition to salaries, based on their individual needs.
- Three levels of pension scheme to choose from - employer contribution of up to 7.5%
- Aviva DigiCare+ Workplace App includes: 'at home' Annual Health Check, Digital GP consultations, Nutritional Consultations, Second Medical Opinions and much more
- Enhanced parental leave (and flexibility where possible to suit your needs)
- Access to funded physiotherapy sessions
- Wellbeing support and campaigns to help you stay active and healthy, be financially prepared, and support your mental wellbeing
- Opt in plans for money back towards the cost of opticians, dentist, physiotherapist and more
- A benefits platform for all, Hovis Choice: £££ Savings and cashback offers on day‑to‑day spending
- Eyecare vouchers
- Cycle to work scheme
Process Manager (Bakery) in Nottingham employer: Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
Join a dynamic and supportive bakery manufacturing environment where your leadership will directly impact operational excellence. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including enhanced parental leave, health consultations, and a pension scheme with generous employer contributions. Our culture promotes continuous improvement and professional growth, making it an ideal place for those looking to thrive in a fast-paced industry.
Contact Details:
Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Process Manager (Bakery) in Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research their values, culture, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions and scenarios related to process management in a bakery setting. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your interest in the role can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Process Manager (Bakery) in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Baking:When you're writing your application, let your love for baking shine through! Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your enthusiasm for the industry. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about the craft.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to match the job description. Highlight your experience in fast-paced manufacturing environments and any leadership roles you've had. We appreciate when candidates take the time to connect their skills with what we’re looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We’re busy folks, so clarity is key! Make sure your achievements and skills stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy and quick – just a few clicks and you’re done!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
✨Know Your Processes
Make sure you brush up on the specific processes involved in bakery manufacturing. Be ready to discuss how you've improved efficiency or quality in past roles, as this will show your understanding of the operational side and your ability to drive performance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your hands-on leadership approach. Think about times when you've successfully coached teams or influenced senior stakeholders. This will demonstrate your capability to lead from the front and build strong relationships.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Be ready to talk about your experience with continuous improvement initiatives. Share specific examples where you've identified opportunities for efficiency and implemented changes that had a positive impact on operations.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, practice how you'll communicate your ideas effectively. Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with cross-functional teams in the past, especially in relation to product launches or process implementation.
