Technical & Production Development Manager – French Pâtisserie

Technical & Production Development Manager – French Pâtisserie.

Belle Époque Pâtisserie is an artisan pâtisserie specialising in authentic French pastries, viennoiserie, cakes and desserts. We supply our own retail shops alongside a growing portfolio of wholesale customers..

About Belle Époque Pâtisserie.

We supply our own retail shops alongside a growing portfolio of wholesale customers.. As our business continues to expand, we are looking for an experienced Technical & Production Development Manager to lead food safety, quality assurance, production improvement and new product development.. This is an exciting opportunity for a professional who combines strong technical expertise with a genuine passion for French pâtisserie. You could be an experienced Technical Manager from a premium bakery or food manufacturing background, or an Executive Pastry Chef with substantial technical, commercial and production management experience..

The Opportunity.

Working closely with the Directors and production team, you will play a key role in shaping the next stage of our growth.. Your priorities will include leading the business towards SALSA accreditation, strengthening our food safety and quality systems, developing innovative products and improving the efficiency of our production kitchen.. You will also lead a practical programme of kitchen modernisation, reviewing equipment, layout and workflows to improve productivity, reduce waste and minimise downtime without compromising the craftsmanship and quality of our products.. This is a hands‑on leadership role offering genuine scope to influence technical standards, production operations and product innovation..

Key Responsibilities.

Technical, Quality & Food Safety.

• Lead the business towards successful SALSA accreditation..
• Develop, implement and maintain a robust Quality Management System..
• Take ownership of HACCP, food safety, quality assurance and allergen management..
• Ensure compliance with UK food legislation, customer requirements and relevant industry standards..
• Manage supplier approval, product specifications, traceability and technical documentation..
• Coordinate internal audits, customer audits and external inspections..
• Manage customer technical enquiries, questionnaires and compliance requirements..
• Monitor quality performance and drive continuous improvement across production and retail operations..

Production Improvement & Kitchen Development.

• Assess existing kitchen equipment, identifying machinery requiring repair, replacement or upgrading..
• Develop a phased equipment investment and kitchen improvement plan with the Directors, including cost comparisons, expected benefits and implementation timescales..
• Review kitchen layout, storage, production flow and workspace organisation to eliminate bottlenecks and improve efficiency..
• Improve production planning, batch sizes, preparation processes and shift handovers..
• Reduce waste, unnecessary handling, production delays and equipment downtime..
• Coordinate equipment installation, servicing and preventative maintenance with suppliers and qualified contractors..
• Introduce clear standard operating procedures and ensure the team is trained in updated processes and equipment use..
• Monitor production output, labour efficiency, waste and downtime while maintaining the highest standards of food safety and product quality..

New Product Development.

• Lead new product development from initial concept through trials, costing, production testing and commercial launch..
• Develop and scale recipes that are commercially viable while retaining authentic French pâtisserie standards..
• Work closely with pastry chefs and production teams to improve recipes, consistency, presentation and shelf life..
• Ensure product specifications, nutritional information, allergen declarations and supporting documentation are accurate..
• Support the development of products for retail, wholesale and new commercial opportunities..
• Provide technical guidance to wholesale customers and support the successful launch of new products..

About You.

You will be a practical, organised and commercially minded professional who can confidently move between technical compliance, production management and product development.. You will understand both the science and discipline of food manufacturing and the craftsmanship required to produce exceptional French pâtisserie..

Essential experience and skills:

• Proven experience as a Technical Manager, Technical & Quality Manager or Senior Technical professional within bakery, pâtisserie or food manufacturing..
• Strong working knowledge of SALSA, BRCGS or equivalent food safety standards..
• Excellent understanding of HACCP, food legislation, allergen controls and quality management systems..
• Experience preparing for audits and managing customer technical requirements..
• A genuine understanding of artisan French pâtisserie, viennoiserie and premium bakery production..
• Experience developing, testing and scaling bakery or pâtisserie products for commercial production..
• Demonstrable experience improving production efficiency, equipment utilisation, kitchen layout and operational workflows..
• Strong project management, organisational and problem‑solving skills..
• A hands‑on leadership style, with the ability to work effectively with pastry chefs, production teams, suppliers and senior management..
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to introduce improvements while gaining the team's support..

Desirable Qualifications & Experience.

• Previous experience successfully achieving SALSA accreditation..
• A degree or relevant qualification in Food Science, Food Technology or an equivalent discipline..
• Advanced HACCP training or qualification..
• Experience supplying premium retail, hospitality and wholesale customers..
• Professional pastry qualifications or substantial experience in high‑end French pâtisserie..

Why Join Belle Époque Pâtisserie?

• Make a meaningful impact on the future of an expanding artisan pâtisserie business..
• Lead the development of our technical systems and food safety culture..
• Modernise production facilities and introduce practical, measurable improvements..
• Influence product innovation and bring new pâtisserie creations to market..
• Work directly with the Directors and collaborate with a passionate pastry and production team..
• Help build the operational foundations needed to support our growing wholesale business..

**Location:** London, N5. **Job Type:** Full-time. **Salary:** Competitive, dependent on experience

Experience: Not required

Employment: Full-time

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