Advanced Manufacturing Operative

Allied Bakeries | part of Associated British Foods plc; Stoke-on-Trent; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 24 shifts

Healthcare plan

Pension 10%+

Retail discounts

Learning & development

Green benefits

Recognition & rewards

Charitable giving

Job summary

Allied Bakeries in Stoke-on-Trent is recruiting an Advanced Manufacturing Operative to join the Manufacturing Team at Hovis Bakeries Stoke. You will operate bakery plant equipment safely, maximise productivity, and support coaching and mentoring to build team capability while upholding Safety, Food Safety, Quality and Customer Satisfaction.

The role suits someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about continuous improvement and operational excellence; health and safety

Qualifications

• Health & safety awareness required.
• Desirable experience in food manufacturing.
• Supervisory or team-supporting experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate bakery plant equipment to maximise productivity.
• Contribute to training, coaching and mentoring colleagues.
• Identify and address training gaps within the team.
• Ensure products meet quality and food safety standards.
• Support delivery of production plans and targets.
• Promote best practice across manufacturing operations.

Skills

Excellent communication

Team leadership

Continuous improvement

Education

Level 2 Food Hygiene (CIEH)

IOSH

Job description

Allied Bakeries are owned by Associated British Foods. ABF is a diversified international food, ingredients and retail group with sales of £20.1bn and 138,000 employees in 56 countries. It has significant businesses in Europe, Africa, the Americas, Asia and Australia. Our sister companies in ABF UK Grocery produce products under many market-leading household brands, including Jordans, Ryvita, Pataks, Blue Dragon & Silver Spoon.

We are proud of our brands: we make top 10 UK grocery brand Kingsmill as well as Allinson’s and Sunblest. You’ll know us best through our white, wholemeal and seeded market-leading loaves, as well as Kingsmill 50/50, the nation’s favourite Healthier White, and our delicious pancakes, crumpets, hot cross buns and other bakery products.

The success of our business depends on us having the right people on the team. We are incredibly passionate about our business, but it isn’t for the faint-hearted – it’s pacey and demanding so our people need to have a positive attitude and to want to work inclusively. We take massive pride in what we do, not least in how colleagues based in our bakeries and depots have one of the best safety performance records in the industry.

Our Grocery Service Centre, based near Liverpool, is a hub for transactional activity across multiple ABF companies within the ABF Grocery division. Supporting some of our well-known brands such as Kingsmill, Pataks, Blue Dragon, Jordans, Ryvita and Silver Spoon, amongst others. We deliver Shared Service activities across a wide range of disciplines including Customer Services, Consumer Care, Finance, Payroll, HR and IS.

If you’re looking to join a business that is passionate, encourages you to be the best you can be, and values its people, we’d love to hear from you.

Overview Of Role

Location: Hovis Bakeries Stoke

Hours: 3-weeks rotation of days/nights

Salary: £36,253.05

Join Our Manufacturing Team

We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity to join the Manufacturing Team at Hovis Bakeries Stoke.

As an Advanced Manufacturing Operative, you will play a vital role in the safe and efficient operation of bakery plant equipment, helping to maximise productivity, performance, and product quality. You will work closely with your colleagues to build capability across the team through training, coaching, and mentoring, ensuring the highest standards of Safety, Food Safety, Quality, and Customer Satisfaction are consistently achieved.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment and is passionate about continuous improvement, personal development, and operational excellence.

At Hovis Bakeries, Health & Safety is at the heart of everything we do, and our people are fundamental to our success.

Key Accountabilities

• Champion a strong Safety First culture and ensure full compliance with company policies, procedures, and standards.
• Safely operate bakery plant equipment to achieve optimum performance and productivity.
• Support the development of colleagues through training, coaching, mentoring, and knowledge sharing.
• Identify and help address skills and training gaps within the team.
• Ensure all products consistently meet required quality, food safety, and customer standards.
• Contribute to the successful delivery of production plans and operational targets.
• Take ownership of your personal development by actively engaging in learning and development opportunities.
• Promote and share best practice across the manufacturing operation.
• Support continuous improvement activities to drive operational performance and efficiency.

Additional Responsibilities

At Hovis Bakeries, we value flexibility, teamwork, and a proactive mindset. We encourage all colleagues to adopt a positive, "can-do" approach and, where required, provide support across different areas of the business. This offers valuable opportunities to broaden your skills, gain experience, and further develop your career.

The Right Person

We're looking for someone who can bring:

• A strong commitment to Health & Safety and Food Safety standards.
• Previous experience within a food manufacturing environment (desirable).
• Relevant qualifications such as Level 2 Food Hygiene (CIEH), IOSH, or equivalent (desirable).
• Experience of supervising, leading, or supporting teams.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• A positive, resilient attitude and a genuine passion for manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• A willingness to learn, develop, and take on new challenges.

Benefits

• Time Off – 24 shifts annual leave
• Health & Wellbeing Support – Simply health healthcare cash plan, eye care support and wellbeing resources
• Pension & Life Assurance – Up to 10% employer contributions
• Retail Discounts – Save on 500+ major retailers through Extra Slice
• Learning & Development – Career development, training and progression opportunitiesFinancial Wellbeing Support – Financial tools, support and access to affordable loans
• Green Benefits – Save on electric cars and bikes
• Recognition & Rewards – Celebrate achievements through colleague recognition schemes
• Charitable Giving – Support Save the Children through payroll giving