Assistant Production Manager

Our client, a leading and highly respected craft bakery supplying premium foodservice, retail, and private label customers, is seeking an experienced and hands-on Assistant Production Manager to support the leadership of their Bread production department. This is a pivotal role within a fast-paced, 24/7 manufacturing environment, offering the opportunity to combine artisan expertise with operational excellence at scale.

Job Role

Reporting to the Head Baker, the Assistant Production Manager will act as the number two within the Bread production function, supporting day-to-day operations, team leadership, and new product development. You will play a key role in balancing traditional artisan bread-making techniques with efficient, high-volume production, ensuring consistent quality, productivity, and cost control.

Working closely with Sales, Technical, and Operations teams, you will help drive production planning, continuous improvement, and a structured Sales & Operations cycle, while embedding best practice across the department.

Responsibilities

• Support the leadership and development of a large Bread production team within a 24/7 operation.
• Drive operational excellence, productivity improvements, and tight cost control across the department.
• Coach, develop, and motivate team members, embedding clear operational protocols and standards.
• Manage shift planning, rota scheduling, and workforce organisation.
• Lead and support new product development across foodservice, branded retail, and private label channels.
• Work collaboratively with Sales, Technical, and senior leadership on structured production planning cycles.
• Maintain rigorous food safety, traceability, and quality standards in line with company policy.
• Monitor productivity metrics and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.
• Contribute to departmental budget planning, headcount management, and performance monitoring.
• Represent the business where required with key customers, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Ensure adherence to health and safety standards and company procedures at all times.
• Support wider business initiatives and undertake additional responsibilities as required.

Personal Profile

• Proven experience within artisan or craft wholesale bakery production.
• Strong track record of leadership within a food manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrable experience delivering productivity gains and managing cost controls.
• Experience of structured operational processes and high standards of food safety and traceability.
• Hands-on leadership style with the ability to lead from the front in a busy production setting.
• Strong coaching and team development capability.
• Experience of gluten-free production would be advantageous.
• Organised, resilient, and energetic with a strong work ethic.
• Comfortable working cross-functionally with Sales, Technical, and senior stakeholders.
• High integrity with strict adherence to health & safety and company procedures.

Hours

6 Days Per Week (24/7 Operation) – Ideal start time 10am, but will require flexibility

Ref Code: W013236

To apply, please send your comprehensive CV in strict confidence, quoting the reference above and for the attention of Jon Hemming-Nash. Please include current salary details within your application.

Due to high response levels, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not received a response within one week, regrettably your application has not been successful on this occasion.