At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and optimise operations in a fast-paced central kitchen environment.
- Company: Join a rapidly growing premium food business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work culture.
- Other info: Perfect for those who thrive in a fast-growth, evolving environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving efficiency and leading large teams in food production.
- Qualifications: Experience in food manufacturing and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Our partner is a fast-growing premium food business looking to appoint a Central Kitchen Operations Manager to oversee and optimise operations within a large scale central production environment supplying multiple sites. This is an operational leadership role focused on driving efficiency, food safety, production performance, and continuous improvement across a complex and fast paced kitchen/manufacturing operation. The successful candidate will play a key role in scaling operational processes, improving structure, and supporting the wider growth of the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee daily operations within the central kitchen/production facility, ensuring smooth and efficient production output.
- Lead, manage, and develop large operational teams across multiple shifts, including production, dispatch, hygiene, and warehouse functions.
- Implement and improve SOPs, operational procedures, and production workflows to enhance efficiency, consistency, and scalability.
- Ensure full compliance with food safety, quality, and audit standards including SALSA, HACCP, allergen management, and traceability systems.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across production, labour utilisation, waste reduction, and operational performance.
- Manage operational KPIs including productivity, yield, downtime, wastage, labour costs, and service levels.
- Take ownership of site operational budgets and contribute to wider P&L performance through strong cost control and resource planning.
- Support automation, systems implementation, and broader operational improvement projects as the business continues to scale.
- Work closely with senior leadership and cross functional teams including supply chain, procurement, finance, technical, and commercial functions.
- Ensure production planning and capacity management align with business demand and growth objectives.
- Maintain a strong health & safety culture across the site.
Requirements
- Significant experience within a Central Production Unit (CPU), central kitchen, food manufacturing, or large-scale fresh food environment.
- Strong understanding of SALSA standards, HACCP principles, traceability systems, and food manufacturing compliance requirements.
- Proven experience building and implementing SOPs, operational processes, and scalable production workflows.
- Demonstrated experience managing large operational teams within fast-paced production environments.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, including labour management, budgeting, and P&L ownership.
- Experience leading operational transformation, process improvement, or automation projects.
- Confident stakeholder management skills with the ability to work cross-functionally across operational and leadership teams.
- Hands on leadership style with the ability to balance strategic improvement initiatives with day-to-day operational management.
- Comfortable operating within a fast-growth, evolving business environment.
This role would suit an operationally strong food manufacturing or central kitchen professional who enjoys building structure, driving efficiency, and leading teams within a dynamic and scaling environment.
Central Kitchen Operations Manager employer: Vertical Advantage
Join a fast-growing premium food business that values operational excellence and employee development. As a Central Kitchen Operations Manager, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation, efficiency, and food safety, while enjoying opportunities for professional growth and collaboration across diverse teams. With a focus on continuous improvement and a commitment to quality, this role offers a rewarding environment where your leadership can make a significant impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Central Kitchen Operations Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can get you in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its operations. We want you to show off your knowledge about their production processes and how you can drive efficiency in their central kitchen.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've managed teams and improved operational processes. We love hearing about real-life experiences that showcase your skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who can help us scale our operations.
We think you need these skills to ace Central Kitchen Operations Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience in central kitchen operations, food safety, and team management to show us you’re the perfect fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention any relevant achievements that demonstrate your operational leadership skills.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you improve efficiency or reduce waste in your previous roles? Share those numbers with us to make your application stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vertical Advantage
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into understanding the operations of a central kitchen. Familiarise yourself with key processes like production workflows, food safety standards, and compliance requirements such as SALSA and HACCP. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience managing large operational teams. Share specific examples of how you've led teams through challenges, improved efficiency, or implemented new processes. Highlight your hands-on leadership style and how it has positively impacted team performance in fast-paced environments.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
Talk about your approach to continuous improvement and give examples of initiatives you've led in previous roles. Whether it's reducing waste, improving productivity, or enhancing quality control, showing that you have a proactive mindset towards operational excellence will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think about potential challenges in a central kitchen environment and how you would address them. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
