We’ve got an exciting opportunity for a Head of Production to join our team, you will take full ownership of production across two shifts, ensuring products are delivered efficiently and to the highest quality standards. You will work closely with our Planning & Logistics teams to ensure we have the right plans in place to deliver our ambitious growth plans both long and short term.
In this role, you will lead, develop and motivate production teams, manage schedules and resources, and drive performance against key operational and financial targets. With accountability for the production budget, labour cost and yield, you will play a key part in continuous improvement initiatives, helping to optimise processes, reduce waste, and enhance productivity.
The Head of Production will also ensure full compliance with health & safety, quality, allergen management and regulatory standards, championing our food safety culture and the maintenance of our BRCGS AA certification, while working collaboratively with cross-functional teams to support business objectives and growth.
As a member of our senior leadership team, you will contribute to the wider Company strategy, leading deployment projects and ensuring we have the right resources in place to deliver both our short, medium and long term plans.
About Us
Four Anjels are a fast-growing bakery business in the food service and premium retail sector. We supply a range of the highest quality artisan sweet bakery treats. Our dynamic team works together collaboratively with a drive for results and a shared passion for quality.
Four Anjels is part of the Olidor Group, a growing portfolio of companies within the food industry. The Olidor Group also includes Brusco Food Group, an industry expert in ingredients supply, Karimix, a specialist worldwide inspired sauce producer, and The Original Baker, a producer of premium artisan baked goods.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Oversee the day to day running of Production, ensuring smooth operations and resolving issues as they arise.
- Lead communication across Production, ensuring regular briefings take place.
- Lead, develop, and motivate Production teams to achieve Company KPIs and customer requirements.
- Own the production schedule, maximising workflow efficiency and minimising downtime through efficient clean downs and changeovers.
- Take accountability for the production budget, delivering yield, labour cost, wastage and safety targets in line with Company plans.
- Work cross functionally to deliver continuous improvement and automation initiatives to enhance productivity, quality, and cost efficiency.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain equipment and improve processes.
- Work closely with our Continuous Improvement & Engineering team to optimise systems & processes in the Bakery.
- Champion our food safety culture, upholding food safety, hygiene and HACCP standards and working with the Technical team to maintain our BRCGS AA* certification.
- Ensure robust allergen management and segregation across all shifts, upholding customer and BRCGS requirements.
- Work closely with our Technical & Commercial teams on all internal and external audits, including customer and BRCGS audits, driving corrective actions through to completion.
- Support H&S compliance, maintaining a safe working environment and ensuring correct use of PPE.
- Manage team performance through 1-2-1 reviews, training and development.
- Line manage and coach a team of Shift Managers and Section Leaders.
- Effectively manage any escalated employee relations issues.
- Identify resourcing needs and lead the recruitment and the onboarding process.
- Work collaboratively with teams to ensure production runs smoothly and product launches are successful.
- Produce weekly and monthly reports highlighting business performance, successes and challenges, and contribute to team and senior leadership meetings.
- Ensure all production documentation and IT systems are accurately completed and maintained in line with legislative and regulatory requirements.
What You’ll Bring
- Substantial (10 years+) production leadership experience within food manufacturing is essential, ideally in a premium or handcrafted environment, with Bakery experience strongly preferential.
- Strong understanding of Health and Safety, Food Safety, allergen management and BRCGS requirements
- Proven track record of scaling production output and building high performing teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
- Effective collaborative leadership skills, able to build trust and lead positive culture change.
- Highly organised and able to plan effectively to achieve high levels of output.
- Excellent verbal, listening and written communication skills, with the ability to negotiate and influence at all levels.
- Numerate, literate and IT literate, with the ability to produce and analyse data and an eye for detail.
- Financial awareness, with experience of managing budgets, labour costs and waste.
- Flexible, with a hands‑on and problem‑solving approach.
- Ability to remain calm and logical in a fast‑paced organisation.
- Growth mindset, with a continuous improvement approach ideally underpinned by an understanding of Lean management principles.
- Open and honest, with high standards of personal integrity.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
- Growing company with career development opportunities
- 28 days holiday including bank holidays
- Holiday increases by 1 day after 1 year
- Paid shutdown 1 day at Christmas
- Employee referral bonus
- Employee assistance programme
- Free parking
How We Work Together
Salary: Competitive Rate of Pay
Hours / Days: Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm, flexibility will be required at times due to the nature of the role.
Location: Fully onsite, based at Bishops Cleeve, Cheltenham
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Production (Food Manufacturing) employer: Four Anjels
Four Anjels is an excellent employer for those passionate about the food industry, offering a dynamic work environment where collaboration and innovation thrive. With a focus on employee growth, the company provides career development opportunities, a newly built office, and a supportive workplace culture that values quality and customer service. Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance while being part of a fast-growing bakery business within the Olidor Group.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Production (Food Manufacturing)
✨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 Four Anjels, 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!
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 Four Anjels 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 Four Anjels
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Four Anjels, 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 Four Anjels 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.
