Job Description
Head of Operations (Bakery)
Company: St. JOHN
Location: Bermondsey, London (Onsite)
Salary: c.£60,000 – £80,000 (dependent on experience)
Apply via: Elliott Sanderson, Sanderson King (elliott@sandersonking.com)
About St. JOHN
St. JOHN is an icon of the British food scene. Since opening in 1994, Fergus Henderson and Trevor Gulliver’s vision has shaped the way the world sees modern British cooking. With its pioneering nose-to-tail ethos, Michelin-starred dining, and unmistakable stripped-back aesthetic, St. JOHN has become one of the most influential culinary voices of our time.
From the original Smithfield restaurant, the group has grown to encompass St. JOHN Smithfield, St. JOHN Bread and Wine, St. JOHN Maltby, and the beloved St. JOHN Bakery, Wines, and At Home offerings. The Bakery, in particular, has become a cornerstone of the brand, supplying outstanding bread and pastries to premium partners across London, from Selfridges to leading restaurants and hospitality groups.
With celebrated cookbooks, a thriving wine arm, and an unwavering commitment to craft, St. JOHN continues to shape the landscape of British food and hospitality.
The Opportunity
This is a rare chance to take the helm of St. JOHN’s bakery operations, overseeing production at scale while preserving the artisanal craft at the brand’s heart. As Head of Operations (Bakery), you will lead a high-performing team, ensure uncompromising quality across wholesale and retail channels, and drive growth through operational excellence and strategic oversight.
This role is onsite in Bermondsey – hands-on, fast-paced, and deeply rewarding for a leader who thrives at the intersection of craft, scale, and brand integrity.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Production
- Lead all aspects of bakery production, from scheduling to logistics.
- Ensure consistency, precision, and quality across all baked goods.
- Manage stock control, supply chains, and raw material procurement.
- Champion health, safety, and food hygiene standards (HACCP).
Team Management & Development
- Inspire, lead, and develop a team of bakers and pastry chefs.
- Manage training, scheduling, and performance reviews.
- Act as the technical authority and mentor for your team.
Commercial & Strategic Growth
- Take ownership of the bakery P&L, optimising efficiency and profitability.
- Collaborate on new product development, balancing innovation with brand DNA.
- Strengthen and grow wholesale relationships with premium partners.
- Contribute to the wider growth strategy of St. JOHN’s wholesale and retail operations.
The Ideal Candidate
- Significant leadership experience in a bakery or large pastry section within a premium, high-volume environment.
- Proven ability to scale artisanal production while maintaining exacting quality standards.
- Exceptional technical expertise in bread (particularly sourdough) and pastry.
- Commercially astute, with strong budgeting and operational planning skills.
- A natural leader who can motivate, mentor, and sustain excellence under pressure.
- Resilient, pragmatic, and solutions-focused.
- A genuine respect for and alignment with the St. JOHN ethos.
How to Apply
Sanderson King has been exclusively retained by St. JOHN to lead this appointment.
All third-party CVs and unsolicited introductions will be forwarded to Sanderson King for consideration. St. JOHN will not accept liability for any referral fees where an agency has not been formally instructed on this search.
For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact:
Elliott Sanderson - elliott@sandersonking.com
All applications will be handled with the strictest confidence
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Bakery Operations - Iconic London Bakery (St. JOHN)
✨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 Sanderson King. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Sanderson King
Don't be shy about reaching out to Sanderson King 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!
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 Sanderson King 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 Sanderson King
✨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!
