About Bespoke By Smith & Brock
At Smith & Brock, we're not just in the business of fresh produce, we're in the business of people, relationships, and responsibility. As a proudly family-run company, our values sit at the heart of everything we do: quality without compromise, integrity in every interaction, and sustainability that protects the future.
About Bespoke By Smith & Brock
At Smith & Brock, we're not just in the business of fresh produce, we're in the business of people, relationships, and responsibility. As a proudly family-run company, our values sit at the heart of everything we do: quality without compromise, integrity in every interaction, and sustainability that protects the future.
The role
Bespoke by Smith & Brock is a premium production kitchen, not a restaurant. We work to Michelin-level standards, but our environment is production-led: planned, precise, and built for consistency and scale. We're looking for a Culinary Production Lead who brings both culinary craft and operational thinking, someone who can hold the standard on the pass and on the production line, and who understands that great food at scale requires as much discipline as creativity.
This is a leadership role. You'll be a key figure in the kitchen, guiding the team, driving standards, and working closely with Marcus Eaves, the Bespoke Director to shape what we make and how we make it.
What You'll Be Doing
- Taking a lead role in day-to-day kitchen production, ensuring consistently exceptional output
- Delivering large-scale production to premium quality standards with precision and care
- Collaborating on menu development, recipe testing, and new product development
- Leading, training, and mentoring the kitchen team, setting the standard and helping others reach it
- Owning food safety, hygiene, and health & safety compliance across the kitchen
- Driving efficient production systems, planning, and workflows
- Acting as a calm, decisive, and positive leader as the business scales
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience in a production kitchen, large-scale catering, or premium food manufacturing environment, restaurant-trained chefs welcome, but production mindset is essential
- A passion for culinary excellence, premium ingredients, and consistent quality at scale
- Strong leadership skills, you lead from the front and bring the team with you
- Highly organised, process-minded, and detail-driven
- Comfortable owning decisions and maintaining standards independently
- Ambitious, collaborative, and genuinely excited by building something special
What's In It For You
- Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm — weekends off (just occasionally in)
- One of the rarest schedules in the chef world — no evenings, no service, no split shifts
- Weekly grocery shop including fresh fruit and vegetables at cost price
- Earned wage access, get paid early before payday
- The opportunity to work directly alongside Michelin-starred chef Marcus Eaves
- A supportive, values-driven, family-run company culture with real scope to grow into a senior leadership position
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Culinary Production Lead employer: Smith and Brock Ltd
Smith and Brock Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee well-being and flexibility. With weekends off and the unique benefit of a weekly grocery shop at cost price, employees enjoy a supportive environment that fosters growth and satisfaction in their roles within the premium food production sector in Greater London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Culinary Production Lead
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
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!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
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 Smith and Brock Ltd, 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 Smith and Brock Ltd 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 Smith and Brock Ltd
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Smith and Brock Ltd, 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 Smith and Brock Ltd 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.