We're looking for an experienced and passionate Head of Empanada Production to lead one of the fastest-growing parts of Nourished Communities.
Our handmade empanadas have become a customer favourite, and as we move into a larger production space, we're looking for someone to take ownership of the kitchen, drive production, and help shape the future of this exciting side of the business.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a confident kitchen professional who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, takes pride in producing consistently high-quality food, and is excited by the challenge of building and leading a growing production team.
You'll initially manage one part-time Production Assistant, with ambitions to expand the team as the business grows.
What You'll Be Doing
- Head up one of the fastest growing parts of the business
- Planning daily and weekly production to meet demand across our shops and wholesale customers
- Preparing high-quality fillings and overseeing all aspects of empanada production
- Shaping and finishing handmade empanadas with consistency and care
- Managing ingredient ordering and stock levels
- Maintaining excellent food safety and hygiene standards
- Training, supporting and managing our Production Assistant
- Identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, quality and production processes as we continue to grow
What We’re Looking For
- Previous experience in a professional kitchen, ideally in a production or bakery environment
- Confidence leading a kitchen and taking ownership of day-to-day operations
- Calm and organised under pressure in a fast-paced environment
- Strong planning and time management skills
- Experience with ordering, stock management and food safety procedures
- A hands‑on attitude and willingness to lead by example
- Experience making empanadas is a bonus—but not essential
- Someone excited to grow with the business and help build this department from the ground up
Why Work With Us?
- Sociable kitchen working hours
- Take ownership of a rapidly growing area of the business
- Opportunity to build and lead your own production team
- Be part of a supportive, values‑driven business championing independent producers and sustainable food
- Work somewhere that feels good—ethically, socially and creatively
About Nourished Communities
Nourished Communities is a growing network of local food shops celebrating seasonal produce, sustainable supply chains, and independent makers. Born out of a farmer's market in lockdown, we now have four shops, a warehouse and production kitchen across North London, and a vibrant customer community. As we continue to grow, we're investing in producing more of our own exceptional food in-house—and our empanadas are leading the way. If you're looking for a role where you can make a real impact and grow alongside the business, we'd love to hear from you.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Production
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
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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!
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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 Nourished Communities, 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 Nourished Communities 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 Nourished Communities
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Nourished Communities, 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 Nourished Communities 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.
