At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in a high-volume kitchen, ensuring quality and efficiency.
- Company: Join a growing food business focused on operational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for those passionate about food quality and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of food production while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in food production and strong team management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are partnering with a growing food business that is looking for an experienced Central Kitchen Operations Manager to lead a high-volume production operation and drive operational excellence across the site. This is a hands-on leadership role responsible for production, quality, food safety, compliance, team development, and financial performance. You'll oversee the day-to-day running of the Central Kitchen while leading improvement projects that support future growth and scalability.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and develop the Central Kitchen team across multiple shifts
- Oversee daily production, ensuring quality, consistency, and efficiency
- Maintain compliance with HACCP, SALSA, and food safety standards
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives, process optimisation, and waste reduction
- Manage supplier relationships, purchasing, and operational budgets
- Own the Central Kitchen P&L and performance reporting
- Partner with cross-functional teams to support business growth and innovation
Requirements:
- Proven experience within a Central Kitchen, CPU, food manufacturing, or large-scale food production environment
- Strong knowledge of HACCP, SALSA, traceability systems, and compliance
- Experience leading large teams in a fast-paced operational setting
- Strong commercial awareness with previous budget or P&L responsibility
- Passionate about operational excellence, food quality, and continuous improvement
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a growing business where you can make a significant impact on operations, team development, and future site growth. Interested? Apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation.
Central Kitchen Operations Manager in Reading employer: Vertical Advantage
Join a dynamic and expanding food business as a Central Kitchen Operations Manager, where you will be at the forefront of driving operational excellence in a vibrant work environment. With a strong focus on team development and continuous improvement, this role offers ample opportunities for personal and professional growth, alongside competitive benefits and a commitment to food quality and safety. Located in a thriving area, you'll enjoy being part of a collaborative culture that values innovation and sustainability.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Central Kitchen Operations Manager in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the food industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Central Kitchen Operations Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity that’s not even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of HACCP and SALSA standards. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in past roles, as it shows you’re not just familiar with the terms but can actually apply them in a real-world setting.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share specific examples of how you've developed teams and driven operational excellence in previous positions. This will help them see you as the hands-on leader they need.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Central Kitchen Operations Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Central Kitchen Operations Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience, knowledge of food safety standards, and any relevant achievements in operational excellence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Share specific examples of how you've driven improvements in previous positions, especially in high-volume production settings.
Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading a team across multiple shifts, emphasise your experience in managing large teams. Talk about how you've developed team members and fostered a positive work environment in fast-paced operations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vertical Advantage
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you’re familiar with the financial aspects of the role. Brush up on your P&L knowledge and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in the past. This will show that you understand the commercial side of operations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've led teams in a fast-paced environment. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you motivated your team to overcome them. This will demonstrate your hands-on leadership approach.
✨Understand Food Safety Standards
Since compliance is key, be ready to talk about your experience with HACCP and SALSA. You might even want to mention any specific initiatives you've implemented to maintain or improve food safety standards.
✨Continuous Improvement Mindset
Think of examples where you've driven process optimisation or waste reduction. Be prepared to discuss how these initiatives not only improved efficiency but also contributed to the overall growth of the operation.
