Department Manager

The Bread Factory; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

GAIL’s discount

Family-friendly policies

Wellbeing benefits

Cycle to work

Job summary

The Bread Factory is expanding its artisan bakery operations in Milton Keynes and seeks an experienced Department Manager for our brand-new site. This full-time role runs 3pm-11pm with 40 hours per week, to lead daily production and ensure on-time delivery of premium baked goods.

You will coach Line Leaders, monitor quality and compliance, drive efficiency, and oversee shift planning and reporting. A hands-on leader with bakery industry experience and strong communication is essential.

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

Communication

Team development

Pressure handling

Problem solving

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Bread Factory is the UK's leading artisan bakery. Founded by Gail Meija in 1993, The Bread Factory, originally known as Gail Force, began by supplying some of London's most prestigious restaurants, including many with Michelin stars. More than three decades later, we continue to work closely with the best chefs, alongside grocers, foodservice partners and our own neighbourhood bakery, GAIL's.

The Bread Factory is synonymous with quality. We have been awarded more than 100 Great Taste Awards and have held a Royal Warrant since 2016, when it was first granted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. In 2024, the warrant was renewed by His Majesty The King.

We source our ingredients thoughtfully, partnering with farmers and millers who align with our values. The result: delicious, carefully made baked goods that support a more sustainable and nutritious food system; bringing great bread to more tables every day.

As we continue to expand, we are seeking an experienced Department Manager to lead our growing team at our brand-new Milton Keynes site.

Contracted hours: 40 hours – Full Time

Working Hours: 3pm-11pm

Shift Pattern: Any 5 days out of 7 (weekends might be included as well)

Location: Milton Keynes, MK14

Every day is different at The Bread Factory, but here are some of the things you will be doing:

• 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.

Our team tells us you will be a great addition if you have:

• 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.

What’s in it for you?...

• Family-friendly policies such as maternity and paternity pay, and grandparents leave.
• 50% GAIL’s discount and 40% off at The Bread Factory & The Flour Station Markets.
• Wellbeing benefits such as 24-hour GP service, parties, Cycle to work schemes and more…