Central Kitchen General Manager

Pure; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading food business is seeking a Central Kitchen General Manager to oversee operations at their North Acton facility. The role involves strategic leadership, operational excellence, and team development in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in food manufacturing and a strong focus on compliance and continuous improvement. This position offers a competitive salary, daily food allowance, and opportunities for growth within a values-driven company.

Benefits

Competitive Salary and bonus

Daily food & drink allowance (£15)

Structured high-performance environment

Supportive team culture

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ leadership experience in central kitchen or food manufacturing.
• Proven track record in managing SALSA or BRC-accredited operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily management of the Central Kitchen, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Lead and optimise kitchen operations, driving efficiency and compliance.
• Build and mentor a high-performing kitchen team.

Skills

Leadership

Compliance

Communication

Strategic Thinking

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Central Kitchen General Manager

Location: Pure Central Kitchen - North Acton, London

Employment Type: Full-Time

Salary: Competitive

About Pure Central Kitchen

At Pure, we are committed to delivering fresh, high-quality food to our retail stores and wholesale partners daily. Our Central Kitchen is the operational heart of our business, producing a wide range of products with precision, consistency, and care. As a SALSA-accredited facility, we maintain the highest standards of food safety, process integrity, and operational excellence.

We are now seeking an experienced and strategically minded Central Kitchen General Manager to lead our production operations. This role is ideal for a proven leader ready to take ownership of a fast-paced, high-volume kitchen, aligning daily operations with long-term business goals while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

Oversee the strategic direction and daily management of the Central Kitchen, ensuring alignment with business objectives across retail and wholesale channels.

Operational Excellence

Lead and optimise all kitchen operations, driving efficiency, quality, and compliance through robust systems and clear KPIs.

Compliance & Accreditation

Ensure full adherence to SALSA standards, food safety legislation (HACCP, COSHH), and health and safety requirements. Maintain audit readiness at all times.

Team Development

Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing kitchen team. Instill a culture of professionalism, continuous development, and ownership.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with Supply Chain, Commercial, and Product Development teams to forecast production needs, plan menus, and drive innovation.

Inventory & Cost Control

Monitor stock levels, implement cost controls, and reduce waste through data-driven planning and strategic sourcing.

Continuous Improvement

Lead improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, food quality, and team engagement. Champion technology and process innovations.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Minimum 5 years’ leadership experience in central kitchen, production, or food manufacturing environments.
• Proven track record in managing SALSA or BRC-accredited operations.
• Strategic thinker with a strong operational backbone and an eye for detail.
• Inspirational leader who creates structure and delivers through people.
• Deep understanding of compliance, food safety, and lean operations.
• Strong communicator, confident in cross-functional engagement and reporting to senior stakeholders.
• Results-oriented with a proactive, solutions-led mindset.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary and bonus
• A structured, high-performance environment with room to lead and grow
• Key leadership role in a fast-growing, values-driven food business
• £15 daily food & drink allowance (worth £3,600 annually)
• Supportive team culture and genuine autonomy in role development

Industry: Food and Beverage Services

Employment Type: Full-Time