We’re looking for an operational leader to join Luminary Bakery at an exciting time of growth. As we expand our social enterprise, you’ll play a pivotal role in driving both commercial success and social impact, helping shape Luminary Bakery’s future while empowering disadvantaged women through employment and training opportunities.
The Role
Luminary Bakery are a small but ambitious organisation, and we're looking for someone who wants ownership and influence across the whole business as we enter this exciting phase of growth. The Managing Director is responsible for the overall performance, sustainability and operational success of Luminary Bakery.
This role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on operational management. The successful candidate will oversee all retail, production, facilities, compliance, logistics and people functions across the business, ensuring every site operates safely, efficiently and profitably.
They will lead the next phase of Luminary Bakery's development, including the successful launch and operation of Kings Cross, the optimisation of Hackney Downs Studios production capacity, continuous improvement of Stoke Newington Café and the creation of a scalable operating model for future growth.
The Person
We’re seeking someone with a proven track record of business leadership and scaling, ideally within hospitality. We are looking for a values‑led, entrepreneurial leader who thinks strategically, and is equally comfortable rolling up their sleeves and getting involved in the details. Calm under pressure, you will bring clarity and good judgement to a fast‑moving environment, approaching challenges with a solutions‑focused, data‑driven mindset.
You will be an excellent communicator and natural relationship builder, able to inspire confidence and bring people with you. Above all, you will combine commercial ambition with a commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence, helping Luminary grow its impact while staying firmly rooted in its values.
What You’ll Get in Return
At Luminary Bakery, you can expect to join an award‑winning, mission‑driven enterprise where your leadership will directly impact the lives of women overcoming disadvantages. This is a rare opportunity to run a female‑led business where commercial success directly creates meaningful social impact. In an agile social enterprise like Luminary, there is real scope to influence strategy as well as delivery; this is a role for someone who wants the freedom to think entrepreneurially and see their ideas translate into tangible results. The foundations and purpose are already there, and the opportunity to make your mark is significant.
We offer a competitive salary, a supportive and inclusive team culture, the opportunity to lead a growing organisation with ambitious commercial and social objectives, along with the perks that come with our impressive client list and press opportunities! From the moment you join, you have 21 days of holidays, exclusive of bank holidays.
Title: Managing Director (Operations)
Reports to: Chair, Luminary Bakery Board
Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
Anticipated start date: January 2027
Note: This role will be required on‑site at one of these locations for the majority of the working week.
About Luminary Bakery
Luminary Bakery is an award‑winning social enterprise using baking as a tool for social change. Through our cafés, bakery production kitchen and commercial trading activities, we create employment opportunities, work experience placements and apprenticeships for women who have experienced violence, disadvantage and multiple barriers to employment.
We operate a retail café in Stoke Newington, a central production kitchen at Hackney Downs Studios and are preparing to open a new café and bakery concept in Kings Cross. As we enter our next stage of growth, we are seeking an experienced operational leader to strengthen our foundations, embed operational excellence and build a business that is commercially sustainable, socially impactful and recognised for industry‑leading standards.
Purpose of the Role
Luminary Bakery are a small but ambitious organisation, and we're looking for someone who wants ownership and influence across the whole business as we enter this exciting phase of growth. The Managing Director is responsible for the overall performance, sustainability and operational success of Luminary Bakery.
This role combines strategic leadership with hands‑on operational management. The successful candidate will oversee all retail, production, facilities, compliance, logistics and people functions across the business, ensuring every site operates safely, efficiently and profitably.
They will lead the next phase of Luminary Bakery's development, including the successful launch and operation of Kings Cross, the optimisation of Hackney Downs Studios production capacity, continuous improvement of Stoke Newington Café and the creation of a scalable operating model for future growth.
The Director will champion a culture of accountability, quality, inclusion and continuous improvement while ensuring Luminary Bakery remains a market‑leading social enterprise.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership, Finance & Strategy
- Operations Oversight
- Kings Cross Growth
- Compliance, Food Safety & Facilities
- People & Culture
Person Specification
- Senior leadership experience within hospitality, food production, retail or multi‑site operations.
- Experience managing multiple sites and diverse operational teams.
- Strong understanding of food manufacturing, food safety and compliance.
- Proven experience improving operational performance and profitability.
- Experience leading change, growth projects or site openings.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen.
- Experience building and developing high‑performing teams.
- Social enterprise, charity or purpose‑led business experience.
- Experience opening new hospitality locations.
- SALSA, BRC, HACCP or equivalent food manufacturing experience.
- Experience leading ESG, sustainability or B Corp initiatives.
- Experience scaling businesses through systems, processes and operational infrastructure.
Personal Attributes
- Values‑led leader with high integrity.
- Strategic thinker who is equally comfortable rolling up their sleeves operationally.
- Calm under pressure and highly resilient.
- Excellent communicator and relationship builder.
- Data‑driven and solutions‑focused.
- Passionate about social impact and women's empowerment.
- Committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
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Managing Director [Operations] employer: Luminary Bakery
Luminary Women is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering women who have faced multiple disadvantages, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture in Camden. As a Training Coordinator, you will benefit from a collaborative environment that prioritises personal growth and professional development, alongside the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community. With a focus on trauma-informed practices and a commitment to employee wellbeing, Luminary Women stands out as a rewarding place to work for those passionate about social change.
