At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a dynamic Central Kitchen team while ensuring high-quality food production.
- Company: Join Pure, a passionate and inventive company focused on excellence in food production.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a supportive team culture.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of accountability and teamwork while driving operational improvements.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment and shape the future of food operations.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-volume food production and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced leader from a large‐scale production kitchen, CPU, or high‐volume food assembly environment. This role is ideal for someone who has managed a busy production team, overseen batch‐based workflows, and understands how to deliver consistent quality at speed.
You do not need to already be an Operations Manager — experienced Kitchen Managers, Production Leads, or Assembly Managers from high‐volume food operations are strongly encouraged to apply. If you have run a large kitchen producing food for multiple sites and understand structured processes, traceability, and daily operational control, you will excel in this role.
You will oversee the full Central Kitchen operation end‐to‐end, ensuring accuracy, food safety, team development, workflow efficiency, and consistent high‐quality output as Pure continues to grow.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, coach, and develop a full Central Kitchen team across multiple shifts.
- Recruit, onboard, and train team members for consistent production output.
- Build strong succession plans and maintain a clear team structure.
- Run daily briefs, handovers, and communication routines.
- Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and wellbeing.
Operational Leadership
- Oversee all daily production in a high‐volume environment.
- Ensure every product meets specification: weights, portioning, coding, and presentation.
- Maintain full compliance with food safety standards, HACCP controls, and traceability.
- Strengthen batch coding, labeling, documentation, and record‐keeping.
- Develop and refine SOPs to improve accuracy, reduce waste, and streamline workflows.
- Manage production planning, run sheets, shift routines, and cleaning standards.
- Ensure equipment is maintained and operational at all times.
- Lead workflow improvements, digitalisation projects, and new equipment implementation.
- Support long‐term Central Kitchen development, including capacity expansion or infrastructure upgrades.
- Work cross‐functionally with Retail, Supply Chain, Menu Development, Finance, and Operations.
- Analyse data to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and enhance throughput.
- Manage the Central Kitchen P&L including labour, waste, purchasing, and overheads.
- Produce weekly financial updates, forecasts, and accurate reporting.
- Identify cost efficiencies without compromising quality or consistency.
- Oversee stock control, ordering, and supplier performance.
Quality, Food Safety & Compliance
- Ensure products consistently meet Pure's highest quality standards.
- Lead temperature checks, weight verification, traceability audits, and coding accuracy.
- Maintain readiness for all external inspections and internal audits.
- Promote a culture where food safety is prioritised at every step.
You Will Be Successful in This Role If You Have:
- Experience as a Kitchen Manager or Production Manager in a high‐volume food assembly or CPU environment.
- Strong understanding of HACCP, traceability, food safety controls, and compliance processes.
- Proven ability to lead and develop teams across different shifts.
- Experience standardising workflows, implementing SOPs, and running structured operations.
- Financial understanding of labour control, waste reduction, and operational KPIs.
- Excellent organisational skills, calm under pressure, and solutions‐focused.
- A passion for delivering consistent quality at scale.
What Your First 6 Months May Look Like
- Strengthened leadership and team structure across shifts.
- Improved traceability, workflow accuracy, and communication routines.
- Reduced waste and optimised batch production processes.
- Built strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Developed a long‐term operational improvement plan for the Central Kitchen.
Our Values at Pure
- THOUGHTFUL – Clear communication and respect.
- PASSIONATE – Pride, energy, and commitment to excellence.
- INVENTIVE – Fast, agile, accountable problem‐solving.
- GENEROUS – Supportive, kind, and team‐focused.
Whether you're a strong Kitchen Manager from a busy food assembly environment or already leading large production teams — 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: Pure
Join a dynamic and innovative organisation in Chelmsford as a Reports & Client Consultant, where you will thrive in a modern office environment that fosters a friendly and collaborative culture. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and opportunities for professional growth, this role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying team events and a supportive work atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Central Kitchen Operations Manager in London
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Pure. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Pure
Don't be shy about reaching out to Pure directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Central Kitchen Operations Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Pure and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pure
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
