Join Our Team at The Bread Factory!
The Bread Factory is London’s premier Artisan Bakery, celebrated for our award-winning breads, pastries, and cakes. We proudly supply top-quality products across e-commerce, grocery, food services, and retailers, including our beloved GAIL’s Bakeries nationwide. As our teams expand, we are on the lookout for our next Head of Technical to join our passionate family.
Why We Care
We Care about a Job Well Done: Since 1993, we have been champions of traditional baking, using only the finest ingredients and techniques. We believe in doing things the right way, not the easy way.
We Care about Baking: Our teams take immense pride in crafting beautiful, freshly baked goods. Passion for our products runs deep, and we thrive on sharing knowledge and expertise with one another.
We Care about Each Other: Respect, empathy, and support are at the heart of our culture, extending to our employees, neighbors, and customers alike.
We Care about Community: We are committed to minimizing unsustainable practices and reducing waste while ensuring everyone has access to nutritious, high-quality food.
Your Role: What You'll Be Doing
Every day is unique at The Bread Factory, and in this pivotal role, you’ll lead our Technical function, ensuring product safety, quality, and compliance are woven into the fabric of our business. You’ll champion a robust food quality culture, uphold the highest standards, and oversee all technical systems and procedures in line with legislation, customer expectations, and BRC requirements.
* Develop and implement technical procedures, risk assessments, and compliance systems.
* Lead responses to legislative changes and evolving customer standards to enhance our Technical Management System.
* Maintain and critically review the Technical/Quality Plan to meet BRC standards and customer needs.
* Drive technical improvement initiatives and respond to crises with thorough root cause analysis.
* Monitor laboratory performance to ensure alignment with internal standards and external benchmarks.
* Communicate effectively with senior customers and stakeholders on audits, compliance, and continuous improvement.
* Lead audits, ensuring readiness and technical excellence.
* Provide expert support across Procurement, NPD, Operations, and cross-functional project teams.
* Oversee NPD trials and manage the critical path to ensure product safety and quality standards are met.
* Coach and support Unit Managers in fostering a proactive food safety and quality culture.
* Align the Technical team with the wider Technical Strategy for success.
* Build strong relationships with senior leadership and external partners, influencing decisions at all levels.
* Stay engaged with industry networks to maintain up-to-date knowledge.
What We’re Looking For
You’ll be a fantastic addition to our team if you have:
* A degree in Food Science and a Lead Auditor qualification.
* HACCP Level 4 and Food Safety Level 3 certifications.
* 10+ years of experience in technical/quality roles within fast-paced food manufacturing environments.
* Strong experience working with major UK retailers and knowledge of BRC standards.
* A proven track record in leading technical teams and embedding a food quality culture.
* A strategic mindset with the ability to make sound tactical decisions.
* Excellent interpersonal, motivational, and influencing skills.
* Strong commercial awareness and analytical capability.
* Confidence in engaging at all levels, both internally and externally.
What’s in It for You?
* Fresh bread daily to enjoy with family and friends.
* 50% discount at GAIL’s and 40% off at The Bread Factory & The Flour Station Markets.
* 25 days holiday + bank holidays.
* Discounts and savings from high-street retailers and restaurants.
* 24-hour GP service.
* Cycle to work scheme.
Join us at The Bread Factory, where every day is an opportunity to make a difference in the world of baking!