Bakery Director - Acquisition/Succession Opportunity

Menter a Busnes; England; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading bakery in North East England is seeking a Director of Bakery to join their established team. This pivotal role offers an exceptional opportunity to lead daily operations and transition into full business ownership. The ideal candidate will be a skilled artisan baker with passion for quality and local ingredients, ready to embrace entrepreneurship within a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary based on experience

Mentoring and support from the current business owner

Flexible terms and clear path to business ownership

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an artisan baker with high-quality bread production.
• Passion for traditional baking and local sourcing.
• Experience managing small teams and daily operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily baking operations and manage a small team.
• Ensure high standards of food safety and quality.
• Collaborate on business development and ownership transition.

Skills

Artisan baking

Food quality

Communication

Team management

Entrepreneurial mindset

Job description

Director of Bakery - Aquisition/Succession Opportunity
This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

Are you a skilled artisan baker ready to take the next big step in your career?
Do you dream of owning your own bakery-but want the security of joining an established, thriving business first?
Are you confident managing day-to-day operations, leading a small team, and baking exceptional products?

Location of the Job:
North East England (relocation welcome)

Salary and Benefits Package:

• Competitive salary dependent on experience
• Flexible terms and a clearly defined route to business ownership
• Mentoring and support from the current business owner
• Join a respected, values-led bakery with a loyal customer base

Additional Information:
This is a permanent, full-time position with succession planning at its core. The successful candidate will be expected to acquire the business via a structured buy-out, supported by the current Director.

About the Business:
Our client is a well-established artisan bakery with a reputation for excellence in sourdough and naturally-leavened breads. Operating from a dedicated site in the heart of a vibrant market town, the bakery supplies a loyal customer base including retail customers and respected wholesale accounts. The business is fully committed to quality, traditional methods, and using local and organic ingredients wherever possible.

Director of Bakery - Job Role Details:
This is a rare opportunity to step into a leadership position with a view to taking full ownership of the business. The successful candidate will play a hands-on role in daily production, business development, and team management, preparing to become the future owner-operator of this thriving artisan bakery.

Director of Bakery - Key Responsibilities:

• Lead daily baking operations, including production of sourdough and rye-based breads
• Maintain the highest standards of food quality and consistency
• Oversee and support a small, committed team of bakery staff
• Manage ingredient sourcing, inventory, and production planning
• Uphold strong food safety and hygiene standards
• Build and maintain excellent relationships with wholesale and retail customers
• Collaborate with the current Director to transition into full ownership

Director of Bakery - Ideal Person Skills & Qualifications:
You will have/be:

• A proven artisan baker with experience producing high-quality, naturally-leavened bread (essential)
• Passionate about food quality, traditional baking, and local sourcing
• Entrepreneurial and ready to step into a business leadership role
• Experienced in managing staff and small production teams
• Energetic, reliable, and resilient under pressure
• Strong communication skills with a good sense of humour
• Open to relocation (if applicable) and committed to long-term business success and ownership

How to Apply:
Please click on the "apply now" button or reply directly to this email to express your interest.

The Industry (Key Words):
Bakery Director, Artisan Baker, Sourdough Bread, Bakery Manager, Food Production, Succession Planning, Business Ownership, Bakery Leadership, Naturally-Leavened Bread, North East England, Organic Ingredients, Local Food, Bakery Jobs UK

We thank all applicants who apply for this role. However, please be advised that only those shortlisted for an interview will be contacted. Be assured that your application will be managed in complete confidence, and your personal details will not be passed to any third party without your prior permission.

About Us:
Established in 2013, Agricultural and Farming Jobs provide outstanding recruitment head-hunting and job advertising services. We are the trusted recruitment partner of choice to industry-leading organisations across the UK and internationally. We recruit specifically for all roles within the sectors of agriculture, farming, horticulture, food and fresh produce, veterinary, animal health, agrochemicals, machinery, technical and engineering, and specialist education.