At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic Central Kitchen team and drive operational excellence in food production.
- Company: Join a growing food business with a focus on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for hands-on leaders passionate about food quality and team development.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of food production and lead initiatives that shape the future.
- Qualifications: Experience in food production and strong leadership skills required.
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 Wakefield 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 while ensuring compliance with the highest food safety standards. Enjoy the benefits of working in a supportive culture that values innovation and collaboration, making a meaningful impact on the future of food production.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Central Kitchen Operations Manager in Wakefield
✨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 interviews by researching the company and its operations. Understand their production processes, quality standards, and any recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in driving operational excellence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've developed teams and improved processes in previous roles. Highlighting your hands-on experience will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. 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 Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Central Kitchen Operations Manager. Highlight your experience in food production, team leadership, and compliance with HACCP and SALSA standards. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
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 you can drive improvements in our Central Kitchen. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a hands-on leader, we want to know how you've developed teams and managed operations in fast-paced environments. Share examples of how you've led improvement projects or optimised processes in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
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, especially if you’ll be owning the P&L. Brush up on your budget management skills and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed costs or improved profitability in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Central Kitchen Operations Manager, leading a team is key. Prepare examples of how you've developed teams in the past, tackled challenges, and fostered a positive work environment. Be ready to discuss your approach to team development and how you motivate others.
✨Demonstrate Compliance Knowledge
Since compliance with HACCP and SALSA standards is crucial, come prepared to talk about your experience with these regulations. Share specific instances where you ensured food safety and quality, and how you’ve handled audits or compliance checks.
✨Continuous Improvement Mindset
This role requires a passion for operational excellence. Think of examples where you’ve driven process optimisation or waste reduction. Be ready to discuss any improvement projects you’ve led and the impact they had on production efficiency.
