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 Watford 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 Watford
✨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 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 approach will resonate well with employers looking for someone to lead their Central Kitchen team.
✨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 and eager to join our growing food business.
We think you need these skills to ace Central Kitchen Operations Manager in Watford
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 food safety standards like HACCP and SALSA.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Whether it’s improving efficiency or driving down waste, we want to see how you’ve made a difference!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about operational excellence and food quality. This is your chance to show your personality and explain how your values align with our mission.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply 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!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vertical Advantage
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of HACCP, SALSA, and food safety standards. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented these in past roles, as this will show your expertise and commitment to compliance.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in a fast-paced environment. Highlight specific instances where you developed team members or improved team dynamics, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Be prepared to talk about your experience with budgets and P&L management. Bring examples of how you've driven financial performance in previous roles, as this will be key to showing your commercial awareness.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Think of specific projects where you've driven process optimisation or waste reduction. Discussing these initiatives will demonstrate your passion for operational excellence and your proactive approach to challenges.
