Operations Manager - Artisan Bakery

The Bread Factory; Manchester; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK bakery is seeking an Operations Manager based in Manchester. The successful candidate will lead production planning and ensure operational efficiency. Key responsibilities include overseeing transport operations, managing a team, and upholding safety and food quality standards. Ideal applicants will have a background in food production, strong leadership skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement. Benefits include discounts and wellbeing packages.

Benefits

50% discount at GAIL’s

40% discount at The Bread Factory

Wellbeing benefits including GP service

Qualifications

• Experienced in production or operations management within food or FMCG.
• Track record of performance improvement.
• Confident people leader with hands-on approach.

Responsibilities

• Deliver safe and efficient production performance.
• Translate operational plans into clear actions.
• Lead production planning to optimise resources.

Skills

Production management

Workflow optimisation

Transport operations

Data-driven problem-solving

Leadership

Communication

Education

HACCP certification

Food Safety training

Health and Safety training

Job description

About us :

The Bread Factory is the Uk’s leading Artisan Bakery, known for award-winning breads, pastries, and cakes, supplying top-quality products across e-commerce, grocery, food services, and retailers such as our GAIL’s Bakeries nationwide. Our Manchester business has been baking since 2017.

As our teams grow, we seek our next Operations Manager to join our team.

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

• Deliver safe and efficient day-to-day production performance, ensuring consistent quality through strong process control and proactive issue resolution.
• Translate operational plans and KPIs into clear actions that improve productivity, cost control, and overall site performance.
• Lead production planning to optimise labour, materials, equipment, workflow, and drive continuous improvement across the bakery.
• Line-manage the Transport Manager and Night Shift Lead, ensuring strong performance, clear communication, and a culture of accountability.
• Oversee transport operations through effective route planning, compliance, cost control, and on-time delivery performance.
• Champion health, safety, food safety, and audit readiness, investigating non-conformances and ensuring corrective and preventative actions are completed.

Our team tells us you will be a great addition if you are...

• Experienced in production or operations management within food or FMCG, with a strong track record of performance improvement.
• Skilled in production planning, workflow optimisation, transport operations, and data-driven problem-solving.
• Confident people leader with the ability to coach, develop, and manage performance across multifunctional teams.
• Clear communicator who builds trust across all levels and ensures alignment between shifts and departments.
• Hands-on, resilient, and decisive with a safety-first mindset and close attention to detail.
• Brings a continuous improvement approach, supported by relevant qualifications or training such as HACCP, Food Safety, or Health and Safety.

Working Hours : 40 hours

Shift Pattern : Monday - Friday

Location : Unit 4, Clayton Court, Openshaw, Manchester, M11 2NB

What’s in it for you?...

• 50% discount at GAIL’s and 40% off at The Bread Factory & The Flour Station Markets.
• Discounts and Savings from high‑street retailers and restaurants
• Wellbeing benefits such as 24‑hour GP service, parties, Cycle to work schemes and more…

Our Care Values

We care about Job Well Done :

Since 1993, we have been champions in traditional baking with the finest ingredients and techniques. We always do things the right way, not the easy way.

We care about Baking :

At The Bread Factory all our teams take pride in crafting beautiful, freshly baked loaves, pastries, and cakes. We are all passionate about our products and share knowledge among us all.

We care about each other :

We always act with respect, empathy, and support to our employees, neighbours and customers.

We care about community :

We believe in minimising unsustainable practices and reducing waste. Whilst ensuring we continue to provide everyone with nutritious high‑quality food.

We care about nature :

We’re committed to sustainability across our supply chain—from reducing waste and reusing surplus to supporting regenerative farming that helps restore the planet.