At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise operations in a fast-paced Central Kitchen environment.
- Company: Join Pure, a dynamic food business focused on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £60k, career growth, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of passion, thoughtfulness, and inventiveness.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on food quality and operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in Central Kitchen or food manufacturing, strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced and highly capable Central Kitchen Operations Manager to lead the full operational performance of our Central Kitchen. This is a site-based leadership role responsible for production, product consistency, compliance, food safety, people development, and operational excellence at scale. You will own the production environment end-to-end — ensuring accuracy, quality, and efficiency across all processes, while driving continuous improvement and supporting Pure’s growth as a multi-channel, multi-site food business. This is a role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced CPU/CK environment, is deeply organised, understands traceability and SALSA standards, and can lead a team to deliver consistent output with pride.
Key Responsibilities
- Team Leadership & Development: Lead, coach, and develop the entire Central Kitchen team, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and wellbeing. Recruit, onboard, and train team members (including night shifts where applicable). Build strong succession plans (“Plan Bs”) and maintain an accurate organisational structure. Ensure daily briefs, performance check-ins, and strong communication channels. Uphold high standards of professionalism, teamwork, and engagement.
- Operational Leadership: Oversee all day-to-day Central Kitchen operations to deliver safe, consistent, high-quality food at scale. Ensure all production meets agreed specifications, weight, portions, and presentation standards. Maintain full compliance with food safety, HACCP, SALSA, FoodBuy, and EHO requirements. Implement and maintain traceability systems, batch coding, and robust record keeping. Build and refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to standardise workflow, minimise waste, and improve accuracy. Lead CP processes, daily run sheets, night shift workflows, and end-of-shift cleaning routines. Manage equipment, maintenance schedules, and ensure the site remains fully operational at all times.
- Project Management & Strategic Improvement: Drive operational improvement projects including automation, digital traceability, process redesign, and new equipment implementation. Lead strategic long-term development of the Central Kitchen — including potential relocation, expansion, or infrastructure upgrades. Partner cross-functionally with Retail, Menu Development, Supply Chain, Finance, and Operations to ensure alignment and innovation. Analyse operational data to identify trends, reduce waste, improve efficiency, and strengthen throughput.
- Financial Accountability: Manage the full P&L for the Central Kitchen, ensuring labour, waste, purchasing, and overheads stay within target. Produce accurate forecasts, budgets, and weekly financial reports. Constantly look for cost efficiencies without compromising product quality. Control ordering, purchasing, and supplier performance for optimal value and consistency.
- Quality, Food Safety & Compliance: Ensure all products consistently meet Pure’s highest quality standards. Maintain and strengthen quality assurance systems, cross-checking production accuracy, weights, temperatures, and shelf life. Conduct internal audits and ensure readiness for SALSA, EHO, and internal compliance checks at all times. Implement corrective actions swiftly when deviations occur. Create a culture where food safety is non-negotiable at every stage.
Required Experience
- To be successful in this role, you must have direct, hands‑on experience in a Central Kitchen, CPU, or food manufacturing environment.
- Significant experience in a Central Kitchen, CPU, large‑scale kitchen, or food manufacturing environment.
- Strong knowledge and hands‑on experience with traceability systems, SALSA standards, HACCP, and structured compliance procedures.
- Proven ability to build and implement new processes, SOPs, and production workflows.
- Demonstrated experience managing large, diverse teams across multiple shifts.
- Strong financial acumen and experience owning a P&L.
- Project management experience, ideally including automation or infrastructure upgrades.
- High organisational ability, calm under pressure, and solutions‑focused.
- A passion for quality, consistency, and operational excellence.
Our Values at Pure
- THOUGHTFUL: We communicate clearly and act with awareness and respect.
- PASSIONATE: We bring energy, joy, and pride to our work.
- INVENTIVE: We move fast, stay agile, and take accountability.
- GENEROUS: We support each other and act with kindness every day.
If you’re driven, operationally strong, passionate about food quality, and ready to make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now and help shape the future of Pure’s Central Kitchen.
Central Kitchen Operations Manager in London employer: Energy Jobline ZR
At Pure, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters teamwork, accountability, and personal growth. As a Central Kitchen Operations Manager in North Acton, you will benefit from competitive pay, comprehensive training, and the opportunity to lead a dedicated team in a fast-paced environment, all while contributing to our mission of delivering high-quality food at scale. Join us to be part of a passionate team that values innovation and excellence, ensuring your career flourishes in a supportive and dynamic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Central Kitchen Operations Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food industry, especially those who work in central kitchens or similar roles. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, whether at a job fair or through networking, bring along examples of your work. This could be anything from process improvements you've implemented to successful team projects. It’s all about demonstrating your operational excellence!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s values and operations. Since Pure values thoughtfulness and passion, think of examples from your past that showcase these traits. Tailor your responses to reflect how you can contribute to their culture and operational goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Pure team. Keep an eye on our careers page for the latest opportunities and updates!
We think you need these skills to ace Central Kitchen Operations Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Central Kitchen Operations Manager role. Highlight your hands-on experience in a Central Kitchen or food manufacturing environment, and don’t forget to mention your knowledge of traceability systems and compliance standards.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about food quality and operational excellence. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and improved processes in previous roles to show us what you can bring to Pure.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Central Kitchen Operations Manager, team leadership is key. In your application, emphasise your experience in coaching and developing teams. We want to see how you’ve fostered a culture of excellence and accountability in your past roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to lead our Central Kitchen!
How to prepare for a job interview at Energy Jobline ZR
✨Know Your Kitchen Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the key responsibilities of a Central Kitchen Operations Manager. Brush up on your knowledge of food safety standards like SALSA and HACCP, as well as traceability systems. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles. Think about specific situations where you’ve coached team members or improved team performance. Highlighting your ability to foster a culture of excellence and accountability will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Financial Savvy
Since managing P&L is a crucial part of the job, be ready to discuss your experience with budgeting and financial reporting. Bring examples of how you’ve identified cost efficiencies without compromising quality. This will illustrate your strong financial acumen and strategic thinking.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially in high-pressure situations. Prepare to discuss past challenges you faced in kitchen operations and how you overcame them. Showing that you can remain calm and solutions-focused will set you apart from other candidates.
