Job Description
About You
Could you be The Original Baker’s new Head of Production? This is an exciting time to join us, as we embark on a new chapter with our new Managing Director and a brand-new factory and equipment to produce our high-quality sweet and savoury baked products. Our Head of Production will bring leadership experience gained in large scale food production, an inspirational and hands-on leadership style and a commitment to operational excellence.
In this key role you’ll drive progress and champion a culture of continuous improvement. You’ll lead and empower a skilled and passionate team, fostering collaboration, innovation and pride in everything we create.
As a key member of the senior management team, you’ll play an active role in shaping the wider business strategy and ensuring alignment between production and overall company goals.
About Us
The Original Baker is a leading manufacturer of premium sweet and savoury baked goods, expertly crafted using both traditional and cutting-edge methods. Our growing team of over 100 employees shares a passion for upholding the highest standards of quality.
The Original Baker is part of the Olidor Group, which has ambitious plans for sustainable, profitable business growth within the food sector. Olidor also includes Brusco Food Group, a leading supplier of the finest quality ingredients, Karimix, a manufacturer of premium pastes and sauces and Four Anjels, a manufacturer of high-quality artisan sweet bakery treats.
What You’ll Do
* Lead and develop all food production operations, delivering performance targets.
* Maintain the highest health and safety, food safety and quality standards.
* Manage production budgets, control costs and reduce waste.
* Work to SALSA standards, supporting the Technical team as we transition to BRCGS.
* Use data and KPIs to optimise production performance, ensuring we meet demand with on-time, quality products.
* Work with the Operations Manager to maximise equipment efficiency and recommend new technologies to improve productivity and reduce costs.
* Lead, mentor and develop the Production, Procurement, Technical, Quality and Hygiene teams, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
* Provide clear direction, accountability and feedback to support team development.
* Carry out line management activities including team meetings, training schedules, regular 1:1s and reviews, recruitment and onboarding.
* Lead positive culture change, embody and embed our core values.
* Collaborate with our NPD team to support product innovation.
* Build strong working relationships throughout the Olidor Group.
What You’ll Bring
* Minimum 5 years’ leadership experience within large-scale food production.
* Exceptional leadership skills; people-focused, able to build trust and create a highly engaged team within a high-performance culture.
* Food safety expertise.
* Ability to translate strategic plans into clear actions and KPIs.
* Excellent verbal, written and listening skills, with the ability to negotiate and influence.
* Effective problem-solving and decision-making capabilities.
* Accurate and numerate with the ability to analyse data.
* IT literacy including Outlook, Excel and Word.
* Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
* Flexible about adopting a hands-on approach as needed.
* Open and honest with high standards of personal integrity.
* Driven to make a positive difference to operational efficiency and business growth.
Salary: From £70,000 per annum (dependent on experience and skills)
Working Arrangements: Full-time, Monday to Friday, on-site based in Malton, North Yorkshire