Production Manager

About us:

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 Production Manager to lead our growing team at our brand-new Milton Keynes site.

Contracted hours: 40 hours – Full Time

Working Hours: 9am-5pm

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:

• Plan and manage daily and weekly production schedules, ensuring volumes, labour, quality, and deadlines are achieved efficiently.
• Take ownership of production operations across all shifts, maintaining smooth workflows, strong standards, and full compliance.
• Monitor product quality, manage client feedback and complaints, and ensure corrective actions are completed promptly.
• Lead, coach, and support Department Managers and their teams to drive performance, accountability, and a positive working culture.
• Oversee staffing levels, rotas, labour costs, and Employee Relations matters in line with company policies and legal requirements.
• Champion GMP, food safety, BRC standards, and continuous improvement, working closely with Operations, Technical, Engineering, and People teams to improve site performance.

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

• Experienced in leading and managing production or operational teams within a fast-paced environment, ideally within food manufacturing.
• Confident in motivating, developing, and supporting teams to achieve high standards, productivity, and engagement.
• Strong communicator with the ability to build effective working relationships across departments and with key stakeholders.
• Able to prioritise tasks, solve problems, and make clear decisions under pressure while maintaining attention to detail.
• Professional, reliable, and hands-on, with the ability to act as a positive role model for the wider team.
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office and business systems to support reporting, communication, planning, and administrative tasks.

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…

Our 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.