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Experienced Bakery Manager

Manchester | Full-Time | Monday-Friday

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Experienced Bakery Manager to join a well-established, independent family bakery based in Manchester.

Operating from a modern, air-conditioned manufacturing facility, the business supplies high-quality baked products to major grocery retailers, franchise networks, and the independent convenience sector throughout the UK.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Directors, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day management of bakery production and packing operations, ensuring the highest standards of quality, food safety, efficiency, and team performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure all bakery products consistently meet the highest quality standards.
• Plan production schedules based on customer demand, stock requirements, and equipment maintenance schedules.
• Liaise closely with Engineering, Sales, and Logistics teams to deliver production plans effectively.
• Manage and coordinate Production and Packing Departments, including three supervisors and approximately 42 operatives.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to maximise efficiency and improve operational KPIs.
• Minimise waste and improve productivity throughout the manufacturing process.
• Maintain a disciplined, safe, and well-organised working environment.
• Work closely with the Engineering Team to ensure safe and efficient operation of equipment, contractor control, and permit-to-work systems.
• Participate in annual BRCGS audits and ensure full compliance with food safety standards.
• Contribute to HACCP, Internal Audit, TACCP and VACCP programmes.
• Support the implementation and ongoing development of BRCGS requirements.
• Ensure housekeeping, GMP, and hygiene standards are consistently maintained.
• Promote and develop a positive Food Safety Culture across the site.
• Champion Health & Safety compliance within production areas.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, risk assessments, and safe systems of work.
• Assist with writing and reviewing SOPs and play a key role in training and developing employees.

About You

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Proven experience in a bakery or food manufacturing management role.
• Significant hands-on experience working with pastry products (preferred) or bread products.
• A stable employment history and proven ability to work autonomously.
• Strong knowledge of Continuous Improvement techniques, focusing on equipment performance, downtime reduction, and process efficiency.
• Experience implementing operational improvements, introducing KPIs, and driving measurable results.
• Understanding of process control, changeover reduction, and equipment utilisation.
• Experience supporting capital projects, including equipment installation, commissioning, and validation.
• Strong knowledge of BRCGS Food Safety Standards and experience supporting audit processes.
• Excellent attendance and reliability.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop, and lead teams by example.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.

Package & Benefits

• Up to £75,000 per annum (DOE)
• Private Medical Cover.
• Enhanced Pension Contributions.
• 25 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays.
• Modern working environment.
• Hours: 7:00am - 4:00pm, Monday to Friday.

If you are an experienced bakery professional with a passion for quality, food safety, continuous improvement, and team leadership, we would love to hear from you.

Please forward your CV in confidence to