Lead Bakery Process Development Manager

The Bread Factory; Greater London; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

50% discount at GAIL’s

40% off at The Bread Factory & The Flu

Job summary

The Bread Factory is seeking a Process Technologist to lead product and process development in a fast-paced bakery environment. You will oversee trials, collect data, and ensure rigorous documentation for launches.

You will work closely with Production and Technical teams to deliver high-quality, consistent products, driving improvements and ensuring compliance with HACCP and site standards.

Qualifications

• A highly organised and methodical approach with excellent project management skills.
• Experience leading and developing a team of Process Technologists.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing capabilities, production systems, and processing parameters within a food manufacturing environment.
• Ability to build strong working relationships across the business, ensuring product trials are well planned and launches are delivered on time, meeting both business objectives and customer expectations.
• A proactive mindset with a passion for continuous improvement, always seeking more efficient and effective ways of working.
• Proven process development experience within food manufacturing.
• Experience working within a bakery environment (bread and pastry) is highly desirable.
• A sound understanding of HACCP principles and site technical standards.
• A positive, can-do attitude and a resilient approach, with the ability to perform well in a fast-paced, pressurised environment.
• Previous experience in a similar role, with confidence using root cause analysis techniques to solve problems, evaluating and interpreting shelf-life results, and applying customer codes of practice alongside strong food legislation and regulatory knowledge.
• A genuine passion for food, product quality, and innovation.
• A high level of personal accountability, ownership, and drive to deliver results.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and run factory trials alongside the Production team, collecting data and samples for reviews and product validation.
• Produce detailed trial reports, documenting recipes, production line settings, adjustments made during trials, SPC data, and other process information.
• Support the commissioning of new equipment and transitions to new production processes.
• Collect and analyse product measurements from trials (dimensions, water activity, pH, etc.).
• Ensure trials are completed using final packaging to assess packaging performance.
• Maintain accurate product records and ensure all trial documentation is audit-ready.
• Keep process documentation and project records organized and up to date.
• Collect production samples to establish quality attribute standards with Production, Technical, and customers.
• Attend first production runs to support operations and provide guidance.
• Work with Production and Technical teams to ensure products meet quality standards.
• Drive process improvements to enhance efficiency, quality, and consistency.
• Provide hands-on support for continuous improvement initiatives and longer-term process enhancements.
• Support project delivery by managing timelines and critical paths.

Skills

Project management

Team leadership

Manufacturing knowledge

Stakeholder communication

Job description

The Bread Factory is seeking a Process Technologist to lead product and process development in a fast-paced bakery environment. You will oversee trials, collect data, and ensure rigorous documentation for launches.

You will work closely with Production and Technical teams to deliver high-quality, consistent products, driving improvements and ensuring compliance with HACCP and site standards.