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 leadership 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 Southampton 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 safety and quality. 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 Southampton
✨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 or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of HACCP, SALSA, and food safety standards. We want you to be able to showcase your expertise and demonstrate how you can drive operational excellence right from the get-go!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and goals. When you find a role that excites you, apply through our website to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role and the company, which is always a bonus!
We think you need these skills to ace Central Kitchen Operations Manager in Southampton
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 production, compliance, and team leadership 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 operational excellence and how your previous roles have prepared you for this position. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you improve efficiency or reduce waste in your last role? Share those numbers with us to demonstrate your impact and capabilities!
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 from our team!
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. Have examples ready that illustrate how you’ve maintained food safety standards and improved processes in previous roles.
✨Continuous Improvement Mindset
Think of specific initiatives you've implemented that drove operational excellence or reduced waste. Be prepared to discuss how you measure success and the impact of these improvements on the overall operation.
