Operations Manager, Proof Social Bakehouse
Experience required: at least 3 years of experience in operations management
Tap Social is a craft brewery, bakery and hospitality organisation on a mission to reduce reoffending by creating employment opportunities for people during and after prison. We have been going for nearly nine years and have five sites, with further locations opening in 2026. Our wholesale bakery with on-site cafe, Proof Bakehouse, launched in 2022.
We are at a pivotal growth stage, looking to grow and develop our bakery wholesale business, including to new sites across the company, whilst supporting our flourishing on-site cafe. One of the new openings for summer 2026 will be a large purpose-built all day cafe and pizza restaurant, serving a wide range of fresh Proof bakery products as well as wood fired pizza and salads and sandwiches, including for delivery to local offices at lunchtime.
We are looking for an experienced operations manager to work closely with the directors to lead the planning, coordination and execution of this growth. The bakery operations manager will manage and support the bakery team and be responsible for developing our product range strategy, planning and scheduling production runs, managing external contracts, ensuring safety and quality standards, and optimising financial performance.
Responsibilities
* Oversee all aspects of bakery operations including production planning, logistics, ordering and procurement, site management and compliance. Provide support and line management for our senior baking team as we continue to grow and develop.
* Take a leading role alongside the Director team in setting up the new all-day cafe and pizza operation described above, setting up new processes and determining the working relationship between this new venue and the existing production bakery.
* Long-term production planning and resource management in line with our strategic objectives, including efficient use of existing bakery equipment and capital budgets, and managing contracts with supply chain partners.
* Facilitate future growth through continuous optimisation of production processes and coordination and management of contracts
* Driving and managing wholesale orders, including professional sales communication with customers and management of CRM system, overseeing smooth operations and fulfilment with highest standards of customer service maintained at all times
* Overseeing maintenance and cleanliness of the bakery sites and equipment
* Ensuring accurate and efficient use of bakery management software across all areas of operations, including accurate stock and inventory records
* Managing ongoing improvement of internal processes to ensure efficiency and compliance with statutory and quality standards at all times. Lead on acquiring and maintaining industry food safety accreditations required for wholesale expansion into major retailers (e.g. SALSA, BRC).
* Lead initiatives to optimise production processes, uphold quality standards, and drive innovation.
* Oversee financial aspects of bakery operations, driving efficiency and cost-effectiveness while maintaining quality standards
* Develop performance and productivity metrics for all production areas and hold team members accountable for achieving these goals
* Forecast production costs, raw material costs, optimise resource allocation, and drive profitability through cost-saving initiatives and revenue generation strategies
Necessary
* Exceptional work ethic and proven ability to thrive in high-pressure, fast-paced environments, effectively managing multiple tasks and priorities to meet tight deadlines
* Positive and enthusiastic approach and outlook to motivate team and ensure a happy and healthy working environment
* Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely to diverse audiences
* Meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to accuracy in all aspects of bakery operations, ensuring consistency and quality in every batch
* Engaging and approachable demeanour, fostering positive working relationships and promoting a collaborative team environment
* Experience with Microsoft Excel or equivalent and ERP systems to effectively manage operations, including production planning, inventory management, and financial analysis
Desirable
* Experience of the bakery or wider F&B sector
* Qualifications in / experience of taking operations through food safety industry certification standards (SALSA, BRC etc.)
What we offer:
We aim to build a fun, creative and value-driven team working to achieve excellence, be it in the brewery, the bakery or kitchen. In return for your dedication and skill you will get the following benefits:
* Company events
* Company pension
* Free food
* On-site parking
* 25% discount across all of our venues and on our products
* an extra day of holiday for every year worked with us and carry-forward 5 days of holiday annually
* a Top Tapper monthly reward
* chance to join a growing social enterprise with lots of continued opportunity
If you are interested in this position please email your CV with a covering letter explaining why you would like to join as our operations manager - to .
Applications close 9am on Monday 6 April.
Full time, permanent role. Hybrid working considered, minimum three days on site at OX1 5RP.