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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the leadership of a dynamic Bread production team in a fast-paced bakery.
- Company: Join a leading craft bakery known for premium quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Combine artisan skills with operational excellence in a vibrant production environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in bakery production and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Flexible hours in a 24/7 operation with a focus on teamwork and quality.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Our client, a leading and highly respected craft bakery supplying premium foodservice, retail, and private label customers, is seeking an experienced and hands‑on Assistant Production Manager to support the leadership of their Bread production department. This is a pivotal role within a fast‑paced, 24/7 manufacturing environment, offering the opportunity to combine artisan expertise with operational excellence at scale.
Job Role
Reporting to the Head Baker, the Assistant Production Manager will act as the number two within the Bread production function, supporting day‑to‑day operations, team leadership, and new product development. You will play a key role in balancing traditional artisan bread‑making techniques with efficient, high‑volume production, ensuring consistent quality, productivity, and cost control. Working closely with Sales, Technical, and Operations teams, you will help drive production planning, continuous improvement, and a structured Sales & Operations cycle, while embedding best practice across the department.
Responsibilities
- Support the leadership and development of a large Bread production team within a 24/7 operation.
- Drive operational excellence, productivity improvements, and tight cost control across the department.
- Coach, develop, and motivate team members, embedding clear operational protocols and standards.
- Manage shift planning, rota scheduling, and workforce organisation.
- Lead and support new product development across foodservice, branded retail, and private label channels.
- Work collaboratively with Sales, Technical, and senior leadership on structured production planning cycles.
- Maintain rigorous food safety, traceability, and quality standards in line with company policy.
- Monitor productivity metrics and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.
- Contribute to departmental budget planning, headcount management, and performance monitoring.
- Represent the business where required with key customers, suppliers, and stakeholders.
- Ensure adherence to health and safety standards and company procedures at all times.
- Support wider business initiatives and undertake additional responsibilities as required.
Personal Profile
- Proven experience within artisan or craft wholesale bakery production.
- Strong track record of leadership within a food manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrable experience delivering productivity gains and managing cost controls.
- Experience of structured operational processes and high standards of food safety and traceability.
- Hands‑on leadership style with the ability to lead from the front in a busy production setting.
- Strong coaching and team development capability.
- Experience of gluten‑free production would be advantageous.
- Organised, resilient, and energetic with a strong work ethic.
- Comfortable working cross‑functionally with Sales, Technical, and senior stakeholders.
- High integrity with strict adherence to health & safety and company procedures.
Hours
6 Days Per Week (24/7 Operation) – Ideal start time 10am, but will require flexibility.
Assistant Production Manager employer: The People Co. / Make Jobs
Contact Detail:
The People Co. / Make Jobs Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Production Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the bakery industry, especially those who work at companies you admire. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! If you have experience in artisan bread-making or production management, consider bringing samples of your work or discussing specific projects during interviews. It’s a great way to demonstrate your hands-on expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings; reach out directly to companies you’re interested in. Express your enthusiasm for their products and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. We love seeing candidates take the initiative!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission of operational excellence in the bakery world.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Production Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Assistant Production Manager role. Highlight your experience in artisan or craft bakery production and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve driven productivity improvements or managed cost controls in previous roles. This will help us see the impact you've made.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point. Make it easy for us to see why you're a great fit for the team!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Don’t forget to include your current salary details as requested!
How to prepare for a job interview at The People Co. / Make Jobs
✨Know Your Bread Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of artisan bread-making techniques. Be ready to discuss how you can balance traditional methods with high-volume production, as this is key for the role. Showing your passion for baking and understanding of the craft will definitely impress.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in a fast-paced environment. Think about specific situations where you motivated team members or improved productivity. This will demonstrate your hands-on leadership style and ability to coach others effectively.
✨Understand Operational Excellence
Familiarise yourself with concepts of operational excellence and cost control. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented structured processes in previous roles. Highlight any experience you have with productivity metrics and continuous improvement initiatives.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
Since the role involves working closely with Sales, Technical, and Operations teams, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated across departments. Emphasise your communication skills and how you’ve contributed to structured production planning cycles in the past.
