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: Ideal for those who thrive in fast-growth environments and enjoy operational challenges.
- 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 in Slough employer: Vertical Advantage
Join a fast-growing premium food business as a Central Kitchen Operations Manager, where you will be part of a vibrant and dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation and efficiency. With a strong focus on employee development, the company offers numerous growth opportunities and encourages continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring that your contributions are recognised and valued. Located in a state-of-the-art facility, you will enjoy a collaborative environment that fosters teamwork and a commitment to food safety and quality standards.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Central Kitchen Operations Manager in Slough
✨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 help you land that dream job.
✨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. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family. We suggest focusing on common questions related to operational leadership and food safety compliance to ensure you’re ready to impress.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Central Kitchen Operations Manager in Slough
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 experience in food manufacturing, operational leadership, and any relevant compliance standards like SALSA and HACCP.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven efficiency and led teams in fast-paced environments, and don’t forget to mention your passion for food safety and quality.
Showcase Your Achievements:Quantify your successes! Whether it’s improving production performance or reducing waste, use numbers to demonstrate your impact. This will help us see the value you can bring to our operations.
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vertical Advantage
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the operations of a central kitchen. Familiarise yourself with key processes, food safety standards like SALSA and HACCP, and how to optimise production workflows. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience managing large teams in fast-paced environments. Share specific examples of how you've led operational transformations or improved efficiency. Highlight your hands-on leadership style and how you balance strategic initiatives with day-to-day management.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles, such as managing production downtime or implementing new SOPs. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
✨Align with Business Growth Objectives
Research the company’s growth plans and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their objectives. Talk about your understanding of operational KPIs and how you can contribute to improving productivity and reducing waste. Showing that you’re aligned with their vision will set you apart from other candidates.
