Bakery Production Manager

Ottolenghi CPU; Greater London; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Staff meals

Healthcare plan (HSF)

Perkbox discounts

Refer a Friend Bonus

Learning & Development opportunities

Parental Pay after two years

Birthday treat

Studio and kitchen workshops

Collaborative working culture

Job summary

Ottolenghi CPU is seeking an experienced Bakery Senior Sous Chef to lead the bakery’s daily operations, guide a motivated team, and ensure exceptional baked goods for our central delis and webstore.

You’ll own production planning, quality and food safety, inventory management, and staff development while maintaining efficient, consistent output; you’ll collaborate with the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen on new products and with deli and webstore teams to ensure accurate labelling and great service.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in managing a team in high-volume, quality-led food production.
• Strong understanding of bakery operations and production workflows.
• Excellent leadership, communication and people development skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead, train and support the bakery team, including delegation, onboarding, rota planning and performance management.
• Oversee daily production schedules to meet demand across Ottolenghi sites and webstore.
• Maintain exceptional quality across products in taste, appearance and consistency.
• Ensure food safety compliance (CCP), cleaning, sanitation and equipment maintenance.
• Manage stock levels, rotation and inventory systems to minimise waste.
• Collaborate with the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen on product trials and improvements.
• Coordinate with delis and webstore teams for accurate labelling and service.
• Monitor production performance and identify process improvements.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Organisation & planning

Numerical skills

Problem solving

Job description

We’re looking for an experienced Bakery Senior Sous Chef to join Ottolenghi’s Central Production Unit. This is a hands-on leadership role where you'll oversee the daily running of our bakery, leading a team to produce exceptional baked goods for our delis and webstore.

You'll be responsible for production planning, quality, food safety, inventory management, and team development while ensuring our bakery operates efficiently and consistently.

What you’ll do:

• Lead, train and support the bakery team, including delegation, onboarding, rota planning and performance management, while fostering a positive and inclusive culture.
• Oversee daily production schedules to meet demand across Ottolenghi sites and our webstore, including seasonal peaks.
• Maintain exceptional quality across all products, taste, appearance, consistency, and presentation.
• Ensure food safety compliance (CCP), cleaning and sanitation standards, supplier compliance and equipment maintenance.
• Manage stock levels, ingredient rotation, and inventory systems to minimise waste and maintain efficiency.
• Collaborate with the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen on new product trials, launches, and improvements.
• Partner with our delis and webstore teams to ensure smooth fulfilment, accurate labelling, and great service.
• Monitor production performance, manage budgets and identify opportunities to improve processes.

What we’re looking for:

• 3+ years managing a team in high-volume, quality-led food production (e.g., central production unit, large kitchen)
• Strong knowledge of large-scale bakery operations
• Excellent understanding of baking techniques, ingredient functionality and production workflows.

Key Skills:

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent organisation and planning abilities.
• Strong numerical and administrative skills.
• Ability to prioritise multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to perform well under pressure.

Working hours:

• 5 shifts per week within our 7-day operating schedule
• Flexibility required, including early mornings, weekends, and holidays

What we offer:

• Competitive salary from £50,000 per year.
• Delicious Ottolenghi staff meals on shift and generous staff discount
• Health and well-being support through our HSF healthcare plan (covering dental, optical, physiotherapy, and more), plus a 24/7 GP helpline and access to Perkbox discounts
• Refer a Friend Bonus: £500 for each successful referral
• Learning & Development opportunities including management coaching, WSET wine training, Ottolenghi Chef’s Academy workshops, and access to external courses
• A warm, inclusive working culture where individuality, growth, and creativity are celebrated
• Enhanced Parental Pay after two years’ service
• A special birthday treat to celebrate your day
• Exclusive workshops and demos, including cooking, food, wine, and cocktail sessions in the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen
• A collaborative and creative environment where your ideas are valued

If you’re an experienced bakery leader with a passion for great food and a drive to support and develop others, join Ottolenghi’s CPU team and help us deliver exceptional baked goods every day!