Bakery Operative

Hovis Bakeries; Walthamstow; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10% Employer Pension Contributions

Discounts at retailers

Electric Car / Cycle to Work

Employee Assistance Programme

Charitable Giving

Job summary

Hovis Bakeries in the United Kingdom is seeking a Bakery Operative to operate bakery plant and equipment, contribute to production targets, and maintain quality standards. The role emphasizes safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.

The successful candidate will complete production, quality, and traceability records, follow SOPs, and participate in ongoing training. The package includes competitive salary and benefits aligned to industry norms.

Qualifications

• Good level of health and safety awareness.
• Numeracy, reading, and accurate information-recording skills.
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures and written and verbal instructions.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Attention to detail when completing tasks, checking products, and recording information.

Responsibilities

• Safely operate bakery plant and equipment as instructed and in accordance with procedures.
• Complete allocated production, quality, and traceability records accurately.
• Contribute to production targets and quality standards as part of the team.
• Maintain housekeeping standards and ensure a clean work area.
• Support other areas of the business when required within personal skills.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and comply with safety guidelines.

Skills

Numeracy

Reading

Information recording

Communication

Teamwork

SOP adherence

GMP knowledge

Food hygiene

HMI familiarity

Basic engineering

Tools

HMI systems

Job description

Career Opportunities: Bakery Operative (4376)

Requisition ID4376-Posted03/11/2026- Region (1) - Job Category (1) -Permanent-Full Time- Company (1)

Salary: £34,242.36, increasing to £40,823.10 upon successful completion of training.

Safely and efficiently operate bakery plant and equipment as instructed and in accordance with agreed procedures. Work as part of a team to achieve production targets, customer satisfaction, and product quality standards. Contribute positively to the team environment and actively seek learning and development opportunities to build personal knowledge and skills. This role does not include supervisory or people-management responsibilities.

Safety First

Actively support and promote the Safety First culture by reporting hazards and near misses and complying with internal policies and procedures.

Product Quality

Maintain product quality by following agreed procedures and using available systems to monitor, record, and report quality issues.

Production Performance

Contribute to delivery of the production plan by completing allocated tasks and operating bakery plant safely and efficiently in accordance with instructions.

Learning & Development

Identify and discuss personal training and development needs with the line manager, consistently follow agreed processes, and actively participate in learning opportunities.

Continuous Improvement

Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, contribute practical ideas, and participate in agreed continuous improvement activities.

Housekeeping Standards

Maintain a clean and organised work area by following clean-as-you-go and contamination-control procedures.

Record Keeping

Complete allocated production, quality, and traceability records accurately and promptly.

Waste Reduction

Help minimise product damage, material waste, and unnecessary downtime while maintaining safety and quality standards.

Demonstrate a flexible, positive, and proactive approach to work.

Occasionally support other areas of the business by providing assistance within personal skills and training.

Use these opportunities to develop individual capabilities and broaden business knowledge.

The Right Person

Good level of health and safety and food safety awareness.

Numeracy, reading, and accurate information-recording skills.

Ability to follow standard operating procedures and written and verbal instructions.

Clear communication skills and the ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Attention to detail when completing tasks, checking products, and recording information.

Basic engineering competencies and mechanical awareness.

In-depth knowledge and practical application of Food Hygiene and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).

Understanding of the baking process.

Basic understanding of continuous improvement tools and techniques

Computer literacy, including the ability to understand and interact with Human-Machine Interface (HMI) screens.

What We Offer

Competitive salary starting at £34,242.36

Salary progression to £40,823.10 upon successful completion of training

Ongoing training and development opportunities

A supportive team environment

Opportunity to work within a fast-paced manufacturing environment focused on quality, safety, and continuous improvement.

Up to 10% Employer Pension Contributions (including Life Assurance)

‘Extra Slice’ Benefits Scheme– Discounts at over 500 retailers, including Tesco, Sainsbury’s, M&S, Curry’s, and more!

Electric Car / Cycle to Work Scheme– Get a great bike or EV deal to support your commute

Employee Assistance Programme– Free & confidential support for financial, legal, and personal matters

Charitable Giving– Be part of our partnership with Save the Children and give back through payroll donations

Why Join Us?

A strong team culture– Be part of a friendly, supportive workforce that values safety and teamwork

A respected brand– Deliver products from well-loved brands like Kingsmill, Allinson’s, and Sunblest

Opportunities for career progression– We’re committed to helping you grow and develop within our company