Artisan Bakery Department Manager — Lead Quality & Growth

The Bread Factory; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Family-friendly policies

Staff discount

Wellbeing benefits

Job summary

The Bread Factory in Milton Keynes is hiring an experienced Department Manager to lead our growing bakery team. You will oversee daily production, coach Line Leaders, and ensure on-time, high-quality artisan bread and pastries delivered to our customers.

This full-time role offers 40 hours per week, 3pm-11pm, with a flexible shift pattern (any 5 days out of 7). The successful candidate will have proven leadership in food manufacturing, strong communication, and a hands-on, proactive approach to

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 experience

Communication skills

Team development

Management under pressure

MS Office proficiency

Tools

Production reporting systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Bread Factory in Milton Keynes is hiring an experienced Department Manager to lead our growing bakery team. You will oversee daily production, coach Line Leaders, and ensure on-time, high-quality artisan bread and pastries delivered to our customers.

This full-time role offers 40 hours per week, 3pm-11pm, with a flexible shift pattern (any 5 days out of 7). The successful candidate will have proven leadership in food manufacturing, strong communication, and a hands-on, proactive approach to