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- Tasks: Lead food production operations, ensuring quality and efficiency while mentoring a passionate team.
- Company: The Original Baker crafts premium baked goods and is part of the ambitious Olidor Group.
- Benefits: Competitive salary starting at £70,000, with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team during an exciting growth phase, shaping the future of food production.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in food production leadership, strong communication skills, and a commitment to safety and quality.
- Other info: Full-time role based in Malton, North Yorkshire, with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
The predicted salary is between 56000 - 84000 £ per year.
Could you be The Original Baker’s new Head of Production? This is an exciting time to join us, as we embark on a new chapter with our new Managing Director and a brand-new factory and equipment to produce our high-quality sweet and savoury baked products. Our Head of Production will bring leadership experience gained in large scale food production, an inspirational and hands-on leadership style and a commitment to operational excellence.
In this key role you’ll drive progress and champion a culture of continuous improvement. You’ll lead and empower a skilled and passionate team, fostering collaboration, innovation and pride in everything we create. As a key member of the senior management team, you’ll play an active role in shaping the wider business strategy and ensuring alignment between production and overall company goals.
The Original Baker is a leading manufacturer of premium sweet and savoury baked goods, expertly crafted using both traditional and cutting-edge methods. Our growing team of over 100 employees shares a passion for upholding the highest standards of quality.
The Original Baker is part of the Olidor Group, which has ambitious plans for sustainable, profitable business growth within the food sector.
What You’ll Do
- Lead and develop all food production operations, delivering performance targets.
- Maintain the highest health and safety, food safety and quality standards.
- Manage production budgets, control costs and reduce waste.
- Work to SALSA standards, supporting the Technical team as we transition to BRCGS.
- Use data and KPIs to optimise production performance, ensuring we meet demand with on-time, quality products.
- Work with the Operations Manager to maximise equipment efficiency and recommend new technologies to improve productivity and reduce costs.
- Lead, mentor and develop the Production, Procurement, Technical, Quality and Hygiene teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Provide clear direction, accountability and feedback to support team development.
- Carry out line management activities including team meetings, training schedules, regular 1:1s and reviews, recruitment and onboarding.
- Lead positive culture change, embody and embed our core values.
- Collaborate with our NPD team to support product innovation.
- Build strong working relationships throughout the Olidor Group.
What You’ll Bring
- Minimum 5 years’ leadership experience within large-scale food production.
- Exceptional leadership skills; people-focused, able to build trust and create a highly engaged team within a high-performance culture.
- Food safety expertise.
- Ability to translate strategic plans into clear actions and KPIs.
- Excellent verbal, written and listening skills, with the ability to negotiate and influence.
- Effective problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
- Accurate and numerate with the ability to analyse data.
- IT literacy including Outlook, Excel and Word.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
- Flexible about adopting a hands-on approach as needed.
- Open and honest with high standards of personal integrity.
- Driven to make a positive difference to operational efficiency and business growth.
Salary: From £70,000 per annum (dependent on experience and skills)
Working Arrangements: Full-time, Monday to Friday, on-site based in Malton, North Yorkshire
Head of Production (Food Manufacturing) employer: The Original Baker
Contact Detail:
The Original Baker Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Production (Food Manufacturing)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the food manufacturing industry, especially those who have experience in large-scale production. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues or mentors who can provide insights into the company culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in food production, particularly those related to sustainability and efficiency. Being knowledgeable about innovations can help you stand out as a candidate who is ready to drive progress and champion continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully built and managed teams in previous roles. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've fostered collaboration and innovation within your teams, as this aligns closely with the company's values.
✨Tip Number 4
Research The Original Baker and the Olidor Group thoroughly. Understand their product lines, market position, and future goals. This knowledge will not only help you tailor your discussions but also demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Production (Food Manufacturing)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant leadership experience in large-scale food production. Emphasise your achievements in operational excellence and team development, as these are key aspects of the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for food manufacturing and your hands-on leadership style. Mention specific examples of how you've driven continuous improvement and fostered collaboration in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your expertise in food safety, budget management, and data analysis. Use bullet points to make these skills stand out, as they are crucial for the Head of Production position.
Showcase Your Vision: Demonstrate your understanding of the company's goals and how you can contribute to them. Discuss your approach to aligning production with business strategy and your ideas for fostering a positive culture change within the team.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Original Baker
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As the Head of Production, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership skills. Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led teams in large-scale food production, focusing on how you inspired and motivated your team.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
The Original Baker values a culture of continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss strategies you've implemented in previous positions that have led to operational excellence and how you plan to foster this culture within their team.
✨Understand Food Safety Standards
With a focus on health and safety, it's crucial to show your expertise in food safety standards. Brush up on SALSA and BRCGS requirements, and be prepared to explain how you've maintained these standards in your previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Data-Driven Decision Making
The role requires using data and KPIs to optimise production performance. Come equipped with examples of how you've used data analysis to make informed decisions that improved efficiency and met production targets.