At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead food production strategy and inspire menu development across multiple kitchens.
- Company: Join the John Lewis Partnership, committed to exceptional food and a happier world.
- Benefits: Up to £40,000 salary, flexible working options, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and collaboration across a vibrant campus.
- Why this job: Shape nutritious menus and lead a dynamic team in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Food Production Certificate and supervisory experience in hospitality or production.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 € per year.
About the Role
At the John Lewis Partnership, we know that exceptional food is a cornerstone of a "happier world." In this role, you will lead the food production strategy for our National Distribution Centre, shaping a menu that is as inspiring as it is nutritious. You aren't just managing a kitchen; you are leading a multi-site operation overseeing three kitchens and a team of 12 Partners to deliver high operational standards in a fast-paced, 24/7 environment. You will have the creative freedom to influence menu development while maintaining a sharp focus on profitability, price, and world‑class food safety. Beyond the pass, you will act as a strategic partner across the Magna Park Campus, collaborating with the wider NDC network to ensure our hospitality services are seamless and holistic.
Salary: Up to £40,000
Contract type: Permanent
Working Pattern
Location: Fully on‑site at Magna Park.
The Hours: Shift‑based, starting from 7:00 AM with a guaranteed finish by 7:00 PM.
The Balance: To support our 24/7 campus, occasional weekends are required.
Predictability: Rotas are pre‑scheduled and shared well in advance, giving you the visibility you need to balance your professional and personal life.
Key Responsibilities
- Food Leadership & Innovation: Shaping the menu for the NDC, ensuring the perfect balance between nutritional value and food inspiration for our Partners.
- Operational Excellence: Leading the food preparation process and managing kitchen inventory, stock requirements, and ordering to maintain high standards and minimise loss.
- Team Development: Coaching and mentoring a team of 12, fostering a high‑performing and inclusive environment where every Partner can achieve their potential.
- Compliance & Risk Management: Taking full accountability for kitchen regulations, including the highest standards of food safety, hygiene legislation, and Health & Safety protocols.
- Campus Strategic Support: Playing a central role in the delivery of holistic support services across the campus, collaborating with the Engagement team and the wider Hospitality team.
- Commercial Oversight: Managing the kitchen budget and administrative requirements to ensure management information is accurate and food cost targets are met.
- Crisis Recovery: Acting as a key stakeholder in business recovery plans, ensuring campus hospitality services can resume quickly and safely in the event of service failure.
Essential Skills/Experience You’ll Need
- Technical Qualification: A recognised Food Production Certificate (NVQ Level 2 in food production, City & Guilds 706 1 & 2 or equivalent).
- Supervisory Experience: Proven operational experience in a high‑volume hospitality or production environment at a supervisory/management level.
- Team Leadership: A track record of building high‑performing teams, integrating diverse skills, and creating a trust‑based environment.
- IT Literacy: Good basic IT skills for managing stock, ordering, and administrative reporting.
- Strategic Influence: Strong communication skills with the ability to resolve professional differences and reach "win‑win" outcomes with stakeholders.
Desirable Skills/Experience You May Have
- Advanced Safety: An Advanced Food Hygiene Certificate (Level 4).
- Logistics Catering: Experience managing food production within a distribution or industrial campus setting.
- Analytical Mindset: Familiarity with using data and customer feedback to drive continuous improvement in menu design.
Important points to note
It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre‑employment vetting (which may include DBS checks for successful candidates). If required, you’ll be informed and provided with information about vetting during the recruitment process and we encourage you to complete any vetting documents quickly to avoid delays. Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third‑party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles.
Benefits
We want all of our Partners to have a good work‑life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible. Please discuss this further with the hiring manager during your interview.
Food Production Manager employer: John Lewis Partnership
At the John Lewis Partnership, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values creativity, collaboration, and personal growth. Working as a Food Production Manager at our Magna Park location offers you the chance to lead a dynamic team in a supportive environment, with pre-scheduled rotas that promote work-life balance and opportunities for professional development. Our commitment to high operational standards and world-class food safety ensures that you will be part of a mission-driven organisation dedicated to creating a happier world through exceptional food.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Food Production Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the food production industry, especially those connected to John Lewis. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research John Lewis's food production strategies and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you're not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a mate to do a mock interview with you. Focus on your leadership style and how you handle team dynamics, as these are key for the Food Production Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at John Lewis.
We think you need these skills to ace Food Production Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Food:When you're writing your application, let your love for food shine through! Talk about your experience in food production and how you can bring creativity to the menu. We want to see that you’re not just about the numbers but also about making food that inspires.
Highlight Your Leadership Skills:Make sure to showcase your experience in leading teams. Share examples of how you've developed high-performing teams in the past. We’re looking for someone who can coach and mentor our Partners, so don’t hold back on those success stories!
Be Clear About Your Compliance Knowledge:Since food safety is a big deal for us, be sure to mention your understanding of kitchen regulations and health protocols. Highlight any relevant certifications you have, like your Food Hygiene Certificate, to show you’re serious about maintaining high standards.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at John Lewis Partnership!
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis Partnership
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Before the interview, take some time to research and think about menu ideas that balance nutrition and inspiration. Be ready to discuss how you would shape the food production strategy at the National Distribution Centre, showcasing your creativity and understanding of food trends.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in high-pressure environments. Think about specific situations where you coached or mentored team members, and be ready to explain how you foster an inclusive and high-performing atmosphere.
✨Understand Operational Excellence
Brush up on your knowledge of kitchen operations, including inventory management and food safety regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you would maintain high operational standards while minimising waste and ensuring compliance with health and safety protocols.
✨Communicate Strategically
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You’ll need to demonstrate your ability to resolve conflicts and collaborate with various stakeholders. Think of examples where you’ve achieved 'win-win' outcomes and be ready to share them during the interview.
