Artisan Bakery Department Lead (3pm–11pm)

The Bread Factory; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Family-friendly policies

GAIL’s discount

Wellbeing benefits

Job summary

The Bread Factory, the UK's leading artisan bakery, is expanding and seeks an experienced Department Manager to lead our Milton Keynes site. Location: Milton Keynes, MK14.

You will oversee daily production, coach Line Leaders to achieve quality and on-time delivery, monitor standards, drive efficiency and ensure food safety compliance. Contracted hours are 40 per week, with a 3pm–11pm shift pattern and any 5 days out of 7. The Bread Factory offers family-friendly policies and wellbeing benefits.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience within food manufacturing or bakery production.
• Strong communication and team development skills with a hands-on management approach.
• Ability to work under pressure while maintaining exceptional product standards.
• Confident with Microsoft Office and production reporting systems.
• A proactive, organised, and solution-driven mindset with a passion for quality craftsmanship.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage daily production operations, ensuring high-quality, on-time delivery of artisan products.
• Develop, coach, and support Line Leaders to achieve excellence in quality and performance.
• Monitor production standards, driving continuous improvement in efficiency and innovation.
• Uphold food hygiene, safety, and compliance standards across all bakery processes.
• Oversee shift planning, performance reviews, and operational reporting with accuracy and consistency.

Skills

Leadership

Team Development

Communication

Quality Consciousness

Tools

Microsoft Office

Production reporting systems

Job description

The Bread Factory, the UK's leading artisan bakery, is expanding and seeks an experienced Department Manager to lead our Milton Keynes site. Location: Milton Keynes, MK14.

You will oversee daily production, coach Line Leaders to achieve quality and on-time delivery, monitor standards, drive efficiency and ensure food safety compliance. Contracted hours are 40 per week, with a 3pm–11pm shift pattern and any 5 days out of 7. The Bread Factory offers family-friendly policies and wellbeing benefits.